Learning from QTPOC Voices: supporting positive experiences of mental healthcare

Creating evidence with, and for, young people who have intersectional experiences of sexuality, gender, and cultural diversity

This project talks with young queer and trans people of colour (QTPOC) and mental health practitioners to understand experiences accessing and providing professional mental health care. Information collected will help create resources to support queer and trans multicultural young people to have positive experiences when engaging with professional mental health care.

The study is led by researchers from the Centre for Youth Mental Health, School of Social and Political Sciences and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health in partnership with Orygen, Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Drummond Street Services and Telethon Kids Institute.

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,  Telethon Kids Institute

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