Tue 21 Feb 2017 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Queer and gender diverse Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders are loosing two vital sexual health programmes, leaving many with "no where to go". The Australian Federal Government has announced it will be making funding cuts that will directly impact the Queensland AIDS Council’s 2 Spirits Program and the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council’s Aboriginal Sexual Health Program. Executive director of the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council, Kim Gates says “The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer communities have unique healthcare needs that relate to addressing their sexuality and gender identity concerns, and they face significant levels of stigma, discrimination and social exclusion. “The impact these funding cuts will potentially have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ community members, particularly Sistergirls and Brotherboys, has not been considered”. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are disproportionately affected by STIs, with rates up to 20 times higher than non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - statistics that the two programs were created to address. Michael Scott, Executive Director of the Queensland AIDS Council says that “without the 2 Spirits Program many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gay men and Sistergirls will have nowhere to go. The risks to their mental and sexual health are significant and the outcome will be devastating.” A change.org petition has been created to push for a reversal of the funding cuts which are due to take place June 30.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 21st February 2017 - 1:25pm