Meridian calls on ACT LGBTIQA+ adults to lend their voices to Private Lives 4, the latest iteration of Australia’s longest-running national survey of LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing.
“The ACT has the highest per capita LGBT+ population of any Australian state or territory,” said Meridian CEO Josh Anlezark.
“However, due to our relatively small population and the lack of specific questions about experiences related to gender and sexuality in many surveys, we have limited high-quality data on the issues impacting Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ population.
“The Private Lives 4 survey is an excellent opportunity to collect this data, which Meridian will use to identify inequities, respond to emerging needs and advocate for meaningful change.”
Run by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at LaTrobe University, Private Lives has been documenting the lives, experiences, strengths and health needs of LGBTIQA+ Australians for more than 20 years. Private Lives 4, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, will provide vital evidence to support implementation of the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035, as well as future policy, service planning, advocacy and community-led initiatives.
The survey is open to LGBTIQA+ people aged 18+ living in Australia. It asks about a wide range of topics, including health and wellbeing, community connection, safety, discrimination, healthcare access, relationships, employment, substance use, ageing and experiences across different parts of Australia.
Project lead Dr Ruby Grant said the study is a crucial opportunity for LGBTIQA+ people to be seen, counted and heard.
“The more people who take part, the stronger the evidence will be. Every response helps build a clearer picture of LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing in Australia and supports better policy, better services and stronger communities.”
Individuals are encouraged to complete the survey and share it with friends, family, peers and community networks.
“We also ask our fellow community organisations, as well as community groups, health services and advocacy organisations, to promote the survey through newsletters, social media, events and professional networks,” Mr Anlezark said.
Take part in Private Lives 4: https://tinyurl/PrivateLives4
Survey closes on 1 July.
Promotional materials: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/arcshs/work/lgbtiq-health/private-lives-4
– Statement ends –
Media contact: Joshua Anlezark, CEO
m: 0401 751 425