You Are Who You Say You Are

You Are Who You Say You Are

DPV Health embarked on an integrated approach to benefit people from the the Lesbian, Gay, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) communities.

DPV Health leads key initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of Lesbian, Gay, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people in our local catchment, building on our Rainbow Tick Accreditation and the LGBTIQ needs analysis achieved in 2020. The initiatives have significantly improved outcomes for the local LGBTIQ community.

The Needs Analysis project was the first study specifically focused on the needs of LGBTIQ people in the Northern metropolitan suburbs of Melbourne which investigated the lived experience of LGBTIQ people residing in Hume and Whittlesea across life stages.

The aim of the needs analysis was to learn about the lived experience of LGBTIQ people in the area, to identify gaps in service delivery, and make recommendations for change. We completed this needs analysis in 2020, in the midst of COVID with over 151 community members that helped us by participating in this project.

The report not only contributed to our Rainbow Tick Accreditation but also identified part of our LGBTIQ population and their needs, enabling DPV Health to develop a Rainbow Tick Maturity plan that addresses the recommendations that were brought to light during this initiative.

The needs analysis engaged 151 people, of which 111 people identified as LGBTIQ while 40 as allies. Two focus groups with 17 young people and telephone interviews with 12 people over the age of 25 years were conducted. 122 people completed an online survey.

The research found that LGBTIQ people, regardless of age or address, looked for health services with educated, friendly, sensitive and professional staff who used inclusive language and made them feel welcome.

The You Are Who You Say You Are report provided 23 recommendations under four focus areas:

1. Broad cultural change

2. Education, awareness and training

3. Support and services

4. Achieve the Rainbow Tick

DPV Health established partnerships with Hume City Council and City of Whittlesea to deliver the findings of the You Are Who You Say You Are Report on International Day of Transgender Visibility (March 31st) for the Whittlesea community and International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17th May for the Hume Community.

DPV Health supports the LGBTIQ community to have a Voice, feel Valued and be Visible.