For children and young people, gender identity and sexual orientation are important aspects of their identity formation. It is important that carers who support children and young people in care are aware of and support the various expressions of gender identity and sexuality that the child or young person may explore or adopt. Supporting and normalising their experience enables children and young people to develop their own identity and minimises distress and anxiety that can arise from being diverse within a gender normative or heteronormative community.


The services and resources listed below may be useful to carers of LGBTIQ+ children and young people. You should contact the child or young person’s case worker if you are concerned about their wellbeing and think they require support relating to their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Support services and resources

SHINE SA provides advocacy, support services and resources for people who are intersex, gender diverse and of all sexualities, including a Gender Wellbeing Service. The Gender Wellbeing Service is free and confidential and includes services such as psychological therapy and community groups for young people 12 years old and over.

shinesa.org.au/community-information/sexual-gender-diversity

Uniting Communities provides peer support through Bfriend as well as free counselling for young people under 25 who identity as LGBTIQA+ through Our Place.

unitingcommunities.org/service/community-support/lgbtiqa-support

headspace provides online resources and support groups for young people who are questioning their identity or identify as LGBTIQA+.

Contact headspace Port Adelaide to find out more about their group programs for young people aged 12-17 who identify as gender questioning, gender diverse and transgender.

headspace.org.au/not-always-glitter

https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/portadelaide/

A guide for families and carers of young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse or who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.

beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-lgbti-people/families-like-mine

CREATE Foundation has a video and poster on do’s and don’ts on supporting LGBTQ young people in care.

create.org.au/lgbt-resources/

Kids Helpline provides age appropriate resources and online or phone counselling for children and young people, including this resource for 13-17 year olds about sexual, gender and bodily diversity discrimination.

kidshelpline.com.au

Minus18 is an organisation for LGBTQIA+ youth and has events and resources for young people.

minus18.org.au

Parents of Gender Diverse Children provides peer support to parents and carers of trans and gender diverse children.

pgdc.org.au/south_australia

Rainbow Directory SA provides an online directory of services, organisations and groups that are inclusive of LGBTIQA+ communities.

rainbowdirectorysa.com.au

Page last updated: 26 October 2021