Creating evidence with, and for, young people who have intersectional experiences of sexuality, gender, and cultural diversity
LGBTQIA+ young people experience poorer mental health compared to heterosexual and cisgender populations, with risk increasing further for those from culturally diverse backgrounds. Research on the support needs of LGBTQIA+ young people, however, is scarce and even less is known about those who also identify as culturally diverse.
This project will explore the mental health care experiences and needs of culturally diverse LGBTIQA+ young people, as well as experiences of mental health professionals who provide care to this group.
Using community-driven qualitative research methods and collaborative design processes, this project will draw on decolonising practices to create evidence with, and for, young people who have intersectional experiences of sexuality, gender and cultural diversity.
Research protocols will be co-designed by investigators, community partners and lived expertise advisors. Findings will inform the development of resources for mental health professionals to support the mental health of culturally diverse LGBTIQA+ young people.
This is the first known study to work with community and clinicians to co-design research to focus specifically on the mental health care needs of culturally diverse LGBTQIA+ young people, as well as the professional development needs of the workforce who support them.
University-based researchers
Dr Isabel Zbukvic, Centre for Youth Mental Health
Julie Youssef, School of Social and Political Sciences
Associate Professor Leah Ruppanner, School of Social and Political Sciences
Associate Professor Nicola Reavley, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
External collaborators
Penelope Strauss, Youth Suicide Prevention
Budi Sudarto, Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council
Linette Harriott, Centre for Multicultural Youth
Bexx Djentuh-Davis, The Drum Youth Services
Korra Koperu, The Drum Youth Services
Yamiko Marama, Orygen
For information about this project, please contact:
Dr Isabel Zbukvic
Centre for Youth Mental Health
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Email: zbukvic.i@unimelb.edu.au
@isabelzbukvic