LGBTI community
Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people experience stigma, discrimination, social exclusion and isolation. At the end of life, these barriers to community participation and engagement may prevent LGBTI people from accessing medical, social, psychological and spiritual care when required, leading to poorer health outcomes.
Many of the experiences of LGBTI people who receive care at the end of life, as well as their carers, partners and family members of choice, are similar to those of non-LGBTI people. However, LGBTI people may have specific needs and experience particular challenges in accessing end-of-life care due to their sexual orientation, sex and gender identity.
Queensland Health is committed to ensuring care at the end of life is available to all LGBTI people with life-limiting conditions, their carers and family members of choice, and is accessible, inclusive and affirms their right to dignity, respect and confidentiality.
Planning ahead
Advance care planning is a process of planning now for future health and personal care so your values, beliefs and preferences are made known. This can help to guide decision-making at a future time if you cannot make or communicate your decisions.
Advance care planning can help mitigate discrimination, particularly in ensuring that same-sex partners and other family members of choice are involved in care at the end of life and decision-making. For people with capacity, this can be formalised by appointing a substitute decision-maker through an enduring power of attorney, or by completing an advance health directive.
Find more information about advance care planning
Other resources
The Department of Health has resources to support advance care planning and navigating My Aged Care for LGBTI seniors.
The resources include:
- Information on the end of life care support available for older people, whether at home or in an aged care home.
- A factsheet on Aged care for LGBTI elders: Getting started with My Aged Care.
- A factsheet on finding a LGBTI inclusive home care package on the My Aged Care service finder. This resource covers the steps for LGBTI seniors to help identify and select an appropriate home care package provider that meets their needs.
- More information about LGBTI ageing and aged care resources.