This page provides information for LGBTIQ+ veterans and families of veterans. It explains why inclusive support matters, what can support wellbeing, and where to find services that are safe, respectful and affirming.

LGBTIQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and bodies.

Veterans and family members of veterans who identify as LGBTIQ+ are part of a diverse and valued community. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported to be themselves.

Your identity is just one part of who you are, but it can shape your experiences, including how you access support and services.

Understanding your experiences

Many LGBTIQ+ people in Australia experience positive wellbeing and strong connections to community.

At the same time, some people may face additional challenges, including:

• discrimination, stigma or past experiences of exclusion
• concerns about being accepted or understood
• barriers when accessing healthcare or support services
• difficulty feeling safe to share your identity

These experiences can affect health and wellbeing over time. 

For veterans, these challenges may intersect with:

• experiences during service
• transition to civilian life
• mental or physical health needs
• changes in identity, relationships or community

This means support needs can be different for LGBTIQ+ veterans and families of veterans.

Why inclusive support matters

Feeling safe, respected and understood makes a difference.

Research shows that inclusive and respectful communication can:

• help people feel welcome and supported
• improve access to services
• increase confidence in seeking help

Where people don’t feel safe or included, they may delay or avoid getting support. 

What can support wellbeing

Everyone’s experience is different, but some things that may support LGBTIQ+ veterans and families of veterans include:

Safe and inclusive spaces

• services that respect your identity
• being addressed using the name and pronouns that feel right for you
• environments where you feel comfortable being yourself

Connection and community

• connecting with others who share similar experiences
• peer support or community organisations
• maintaining supportive relationships with family and friends

Affirming health and wellbeing support

• access to respectful, inclusive healthcare
• mental health and wellbeing support
• services that understand both veteran and LGBTIQ+ experiences

Clear and respectful communication

• not making assumptions about identity, relationships or experiences
• being able to share information at your own pace
• having your identity recognised and respected

You’re not alone

Many LGBTIQ+ veterans and families of veterans have built strong, supportive communities and positive pathways after service.

If you’re looking for support, there are people and services who understand your experiences and are here to help.

How we can support you

We aim to provide services that are safe, inclusive and respectful for all veterans and families of veterans, including those who identify as LGBTIQ+.

Support may include:

• connecting you with inclusive services and supports
• helping you access mental health, wellbeing and community supports
• providing information and guidance tailored to your situation

Services that may help

There are also specialist organisations across Australia that provide peer support, advocacy and resources for LGBTIQ+ people and veterans.

• Defence Gay & Lesbian Information Service (DEFGLIS): supports LGBTIQ+ serving members, ex-service members, veterans and families of veterans through peer connection, information, advocacy and community support.
• Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling: provides free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support for current and former Australian Defence Force members and families of veterans, available 24 hours a day. 
• QLife: provides free, anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support and referrals by phone and webchat for people in Australia who want to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. 
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: offers national health and wellbeing information, resources, policy guidance and links to inclusive services for LGBTIQ+ people and communities. 
• Beyond Blue: provides inclusive mental health information, online forums and 24/7 counselling support for LGBTIQ+ people, families of veterans and supporters. 
• Defence ADF members and families support services: provides information about broader Defence health, wellbeing and support options for ADF members, families of veterans, reservists, veterans and ex-serving members.  

Rainbow accreditation

Rainbow accreditation is a way for organisations to show they are working to provide safe, inclusive and respectful services for LGBTIQ+ people.

In Australia, this is often known as the Rainbow Tick. It looks at whether an organisation has:

• inclusive policies and procedures
• staff who are trained to provide respectful and affirming support
• communication that uses inclusive language
• safe and respectful ways to collect and manage personal information
• welcoming services for LGBTIQ+ clients, staff and volunteers

For LGBTIQ+ veterans and families of veterans, rainbow accreditation can help identify services that have made a formal commitment to inclusion. It may give people more confidence that they will be treated with respect, but it is still okay to ask a service about its experience supporting veterans, confidentiality, trauma-informed practice and individual needs.