CEH takes a stand against discrimination on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
On the 17 of May, The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) reaffirms its stance against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and its commitment to the health and well-being of Victoria’s diverse communities.
‘The health impacts of discrimination against people who identify as LGBTIQ have been well documented, with suicide rates up to 10 times that of the general population. That is why we are marking this day to support the health and well-being of all LGBTIQ people’ Alison Coelho Co-manager of the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health said.
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTIQ people internationally. “Being a same-sex and trans person from a refugee and migrant background requires people to negotiate complex and interweaving expectations and social norms in relation to gender, sexuality, faith and culture.” Alison Coelho said.
May 17 commemorates the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. This day is celebrated in more than 130 countries in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
The CEH recognises that LGBTIQ people from refugee and migrant background can face additional hurdles not only in relation to the presence of racist attitudes in the wider Australian community but also in relation to their own cultural and religious identities, and that of their communities.
‘For some refugee and migrant communities, the issue of people, especially young people, exploring and questioning their sexuality or their gender identity can be very challenging. It is important that communities are made aware of these issues and the best ways they can support members of their communities’ Alison Coelho said.
The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health is part of the North Richmond Community Health Centre which has a long history of being a welcoming and inclusive health centre that works with both individuals and communities to foster better health outcomes for all.
Contact for interview or further information:
Matt Loads
Ph: 0403011174
Email: matthewl@www.ceh.org.au
Related Information
The Arthur Kleinman Explanatory Model
This model was first proposed by Arthur Kleinman, who developed a set of eight questions to ask a client to learn more about their explanatory model to provide better patient-centered care.
Addressing challenges to work cross culturally; new cultural competence bundles
When there are gaps in cultural awareness and language, there are more misunderstandings, biases and sometimes compromised health outcomes. The good news is that there is so much we can do to be more prepared.
Reflect and and reset for 2024
Have you set your goals for 2024? Time is often the greatest barrier to reflection, so while the pace is a little slower as we enter the new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect and set our goals for the months ahead.
Working with interpreters: troubleshooting and trust-building
Building relationships with clients can be a delicate task. Trust is integral to effectively carrying out our work professionally, but what happens when we bring an interpreter into the scenario? Find out in this article.
Let us inform you about our EVENTS & NEWS?