health
Religious discrimination bill may ‘set LGBTIQ healthcare back years’
Equality Australia has warned the Morrison government’s controversial religious discrimination bill could negatively impact on LGBTIQ people’s access to healthcare. The religion bill could see LGBTIQ+ patients refused healthcare by practitioners who “conscientiously object” to their sexual orientation or gender identity on religious grounds. Equality Australia’s Anna Brown told the Sydney Morning Herald the religious …
‘Often left in the dark’: Plea on LGBTIQ suicide rates
The National LGBTI Health Alliance has said more must be done to address suicide rates in the Australian LGBTI community. Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day today, the Alliance’s executive director Nicky Bath said suicide was “a universal challenge” and is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally. The Australian Bureau of Statistics …
Chemsex drug ‘used to rape and film gay men on the dark web’
A party drug is being used to rape and film comatose gay and bisexual men at “chemsex” parties, according to a shocking new documentary. The documentary by BuzzFeed and UK’s Channel 4 found shocking rates of sexual assault among users of the drug GHB. In some cases, footage of the rapes is then broadcast on …
Nominations open for Queensland LGBTIQ mental health award
There are just a few days left to nominate community members and groups for their work in LGBTIQ mental health. The Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards are now in their sixth year. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations working to reduce stigma and support and empower those living …
AskDocQ: What does HIV viral load mean?
You’ve been cruising along with an undetectable HIV viral load for years. Suddenly – the horror – you go to your routine appointment and your doctor tells you there’s an actual detectable number for your virus. Maybe 30, 50 or 100, instead of the usual <20 result. It’s OK your doc says, it’s nothing to …
AskDocQ: The truth about steroids
Are you someone who uses performance enhancing substances? Maybe you’ve been thinking about buying steroids from a trainer or an online shop? Many guys use non-prescription testosterone and other substances to build up their muscles and get more out of their training sessions, sometimes “stacking” multiple anabolic androgenic steroids in a cycle. The levels of …
Stonewall Medical Centre seeking nurse
Brisbane’s Stonewall Medical Centre is looking for their first practice nurse to join their team. The registered nurse will join the LGBTIQ practice’s clinical team: six GP’s and two sexual health physicians, a practice manager and practice principal to deliver high quality care. The position will begin on a casual/part-time basis with the possibility to …
High LGBTIQ suicide rates ‘totally unacceptable’
The head of the royal commission into Victoria’s mental health system has described high rates of suicide among LGBTIQ people as “totally unacceptable”. Chairperson Penny Armytage made the remarks to the commission on Wednesday. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people aged 16 to 27 are five times more likely to attempt suicide, figures show. Transgender people …
Labor pledges funding for Queensland indigenous health program 2 Spirits
Labor has announced $1.8 million in federal funding for a Queensland indigenous sexual health program, after funding for the program was axed two years ago. Labor’s health spokesperson Catherine King said Labor would provide the funding over four years for the 2 Spirits program administered by the Queensland Aids Council, which has welcomed the commitment. …
AskDocQ: don’t hesitate… vaccinate
There’s currently a spate of infectious disease outbreaks around the world, including a measles outbreak. So now is the perfect time for a reminder about the benefits of vaccination, writes Dr Fiona Bisshop. Measles is making the headlines after a series of outbreaks across the world, including a string of cases in Brisbane. Most local …