Cancer Council NSW aims to improve the way LGBTQI+ people – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and other diverse sexualities and genders, as well as people with intersex variations – access support services for people affected by cancer.
Our supportive care programs take an inclusive approach.
We understand that LGBTQI+ people diagnosed with cancer have unique issues and concerns, and our support services are committed to meeting these needs in a sensitive way.
Read more about our support services below.
New LGBTQI+ resource
LGBTQI+ People and Cancer is Cancer Council’s new booklet specifically for LGBTQI+ people diagnosed with cancer and their carers. It covers a range of topics including:
- Finding LGBTQI+ friendly cancer services
- Telling your cancer care team you are LGBTQI+
- Dealing with discrimination
- Impacts on body image and sexual intimacy
- Trans and/or gender-diverse people and cancer
- Intersex people and cancer
- Sources of support and information.
 | Cancer ConnectCancer Connect provides one-to-one telephone peer support for people affected by cancer. Our service supports people who identify as same-gender attracted by matching you with a trained volunteer who shares similar experiences. Our matches are based on cancer type, age, lifestyle and interests. If you are affected by cancer, this unique relationship can help support you, reduce your levels of distress, and give you good coping strategies. |
| | Telephone Support GroupsCancer Council NSW offers free telephone support groups. Talking with people who are going through similar experiences to you can be comforting – you can get the support and information you need in a safe space, and this may even help you get a sense of normality in your life. The groups are structured to assist patients, families and carers inclusive of their gender or cultural identity. |
| | Cancer Council Online CommunityCancer Council Online Community is an online support service providing peer-based support. The Online Community is a safe space where you can talk about your experiences with cancer, and share tips and strategies on how to cope with the challenges you, and your family, may face both during and after cancer treatment. |
| | Other support for LGBTQI+ people and communitiesQLife is a national, free, confidential LGBTI phone and webchat service, open 3pm to midnight every day of the year. You can talk to a peer counsellor for LGBTI-specific support, information and referrals, including for people with cancer. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia is a national body for health organisations focused on LGBTIQ+ communities. It maintains a list of organisations that provide health services for LGBTQI+ communities. Minus18 provides mental health support, peer monitoring and social events for LGBTQIA+ young people from all over Australia. qheadspace is a national mental health service for LGBTIQA+ people aged 12–25. ReachOut provides online mental health support for young people to talk about gender and sexuality. Shine a Light provides support for gay, bisexual and trans men diagnosed with any type of cancer. They also support partners. TransHub includes information about gender affirmation, hormones, and health needs, including cancer screening. Genders, Bodies, and Relationships Passport is a document that provides a single place to record critical information about your health, with a focus on your gender, body, and relationships. It is available to anyone who wishes to ensure that their genders, bodies, and relationships are respected in interactions with health and social care services, and is ideal for intersex, trans, and/or gender diverse people. |