Health priorities and perceived health determinants among South Australians attending GLBTI festival events

Abstract

Health differentials related to the social position of people whose sexual attraction or gender identity differs from that of the majority may be the 'forgotten inequity' in contemporary Australian discourses on health inequalities and social inclusion. What sexually- and gender-diverse communities see as health priorities and the social determinants of their health have been little studied in Australia. This survey explored the experience and opinions of a convenience sample of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trangender and intersex (GLBTI) people in South Australia. A pencil and paper survey was administered to people attending events associated with the Feast GLBTI festival in Adelaide in 2004 and good participation rates were obtained. Two hundred and fifty-three people completed the survey, of which 122 identified as female, 124 as male and seven as other genders. Depression, HIV, suicide, family relationship problems and alcohol problems were seen as the most important health issues for these communities, while discrimination under the law and in daily life were rated the most important health determinants. GLBTI South Australians surveyed identified priority health issues for their communities and identified legal and personal discrimination as significant determinants of their health.