#IDAHOBIT2025: How can I advocate for myself in alcohol and drug services as an LGBTQIA+ person?

Finn shares tips on how LGBTQIA+ people can advocate for safe and inclusive care from alcohol and other drug treatment services.

IDAHOBIT is the International Day against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination! To mark this important occasion, we asked our colleague Finn Mercury (RN/RM) (he/they) to share some of the wisdom he’s earned as an LGBTQIA+ Liaison at Eastern Health. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Finn!

IDAHOBIT banner: Go Rainbow Against Discrimination. Smiling people wave the Progress Pride Flag

The team at Counselling Online stands against discrimination every day of the year. Our team spans the gender and sexuality spectrum. We celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and are committed to providing safe, welcoming, affirming support for everyone, recognising that we are all responsible for making a difference.

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Navigating AOD services as an LGBTQIA+ person
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Navigating AOD services as an LGBTQIA+ person

IDAHOBIT Day (May 17) is a powerful reminder that LGBTQIA+ people deserve safety, respect, and support in every space — including when accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services.

Many LGBTQIA+ people face higher rates of AOD use, linked to the impacts of stigma, discrimination, and minority stress. Finding inclusive support can be life-changing — but it’s not always easy. Some people have experienced being misgendered, judged, or feeling invisible when seeking help.

If you're reaching out for support around your substance use, here are some practical steps you can take to advocate for yourself:

1. Know your rights

You have the right to access services free from discrimination based on your sexuality, gender identity, or HIV status. Health services are legally required to provide culturally safe, non-judgmental care.

2. Ask questions

It’s okay to ask providers if they have experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients. You might also ask about harm minimisation approaches if you're not aiming for complete abstinence.

3. Bring a support person, or have them with you when you call in

If you feel nervous, having a trusted friend, partner, or advocate with you can make a huge difference – they can help reinforce your needs and offer emotional backup.

4. Correct pronouns and language

If someone uses the wrong pronoun or name, you are entitled to correct them – and it should be taken seriously and respectfully. Take a look at the LGBTIQ+ Health Australia Genders, bodies and relationships passport as a tool to support clear communication about your needs. 

5. Trust your instincts

If a service doesn’t feel welcoming or respectful, it's okay to seek out other options. Inclusive services are out there — and you deserve support that sees and respects you.
 

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Helpful support services for LGBTQIA+ communities
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Helpful support services for LGBTQIA+ communities

If you’re seeking support, check out these services!

National counselling and referrals

  • Counselling Online (free, confidential support for AOD concerns, national)
  • QLife (national LGBTQIA+ peer support)

National AOD peer support groups


ACT

  • Meridian ACT: Peer-led health, wellbeing and AOD harm reduction services, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ people and people living with HIV.

NSW

  • ACON: LGBTQIA+ health and wellbeing organisation with a range of specialised AOD services

NT

  • NTAHC: Peer-led health, wellbeing and harm reduction service with specialised services for LGBTQIA+ people, sex workers, and people living with HIV.

QLD

SA

TAS

  • Working It Out’s Signpost: A directory of inclusive support services curated by Tasmania’s gender, sexuality and intersex support, education and advocacy service.

VIC

  • Merri Health: LGBTIQA+ alcohol and drugs counselling and support
  • Thorne Harbour Health: LGBTQIA+ health and wellbeing support with a range of specialised AOD services
  • Rainbow Door a free specialist LGBTIQA+ peer support helpline operated by Switchboard, a peer-driven support service for LGBTIQA+ people.

WA

  • WAAC: A community-led organisation offering a wide-range of health and support services for LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, and injecting drug users. Offers specialist harm reduction and counselling services.
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We’re here for you
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We’re here for you

If you’d like to chat now, our team is always here for you — our online chat is free, confidential, 24/7. Our non-judgmental counsellors can talk through any problems related to substance use, whether you are interested in quitting, cutting down, looking for harm minimisation strategies, or just want to talk about what is going on with yourself or a loved one. 

Chat to us online