LGBTIQ Community

We support diverse gender, sex, and sexuality

DPV Health is an inclusive organisation that celebrates the diversity of all people within our community. DPV Health is committed to providing welcoming and safe services for our LGBTIQ community.

The LGBTIQ community includes people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer, and questioning.

DPV Health also commits to create a positive work environment for our LGBTIQ employees, volunteers, and students. Members of the LGBTIQ community may experience discrimination and stigma. This can lead to poorer health outcomes compared to other Victorians, or cause delays in accessing health services.

In response, DPV Health is working towards achieving our Rainbow Tick Accreditation. This accreditation will verify that our health services are safe and friendly for LGBTIQ service users and staff.

Our initiatives

‘You Are Who You Say You Are’ study

‘You Are Who You Say You Are: DPV Needs Analysis’ is the first major study of LGBTIQ communities and needs in Melbourne’s North. This report provides recommendations on support services, awareness and training to improve services for LGBTIQ  people.

Planning is in progress for the report to be launched report will be launched on May 17, 2021, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day).

If you are a member of the LGBTIQ community or an ally, we invite you to attend the launch. At the launch, we will share the key findings of the research in the ‘You Are Who You Say You Are’ report.

For more information, email populationhealth@dpvhealth.org.au.

Pride in the north

DPV Health is part of the Pride in the North Network. This network comprises local health organisations in Melbourne’s North, including Northern Health, Nexus Primary Health, and Hume Whittlesea Primary Care Partnerships.

The network aims to provide inclusive services in the North.

 “As an inclusive organisation, it is essential we stand beside our industry partners and the queer community to support gender and sexuality diversity in Australia.” – DPV Health CEO Don Tidbury

Staff and their family and friends, including from DPV Health, marched in the 2020 Midsumma Pride March under the Pride in the North Banner. DPV Health organised rainbow clothing for all participants in our group. We will plan to participate in the Pride March each year.

DPV Health sites are safe spaces

Our survey and report found that LGBTIQ community often felt a lack of connection to their community in their workplace and other settings. Therefore, DPV Health has committed to visibility using symbols, events, and public support.

DPV Health displays Safe Space for Everyone and Rainbow Flag stickers at all our locations. We want our community to know that everyone has the right to feel safe and is welcome at DPV Health.

Staff training

All DPV Health employees have completed an online inclusion training program, including a module about the needs and experiences of LGBTIQ people. The training features the perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds and information on inclusive language.

All DPV Health employees are trained in using correct pronouns and names to ensure that everyone feels welcomed.

Inclusion strategy

One of the priority communities identified in DPV Health’s Inclusion Strategy is the LGBTIQ community.

Our Inclusion Strategy guides the organisation to provide inclusive services. We aim to improve the health, wellbeing and participation of our diverse communities.

Rainbow tick

DPV Health has applied for Rainbow Tick Accreditation. The Rainbow Tick recognises organisations that are safe, inclusive and affirming for LGBTIQ service users and employees.

We are currently being assessed under the Rainbow Tick Standards, owned and developed by Rainbow Health Victoria (formerly called GLHV).

Stay updated

If you are interested in representing the LGBTIQ community and providing ongoing feedback and support us with inclusive service planning, please join the Community Network.

For more details contact populationhealth@dpvhealth.org.au

Download the community participation flyer here.