Merri Health flying the rainbow colours for LGBTIQA+ health

Published Apr 26 2021

Merri Health is a proud Rainbow Tick accredited organisation and, to show our support for LGBTIQA+ communities, Merri is taking part in the Midsumma Festival this April with a virtual stall and ‘selfie’ window display, and walking in the Pride March this May.

Merri recognises that people who  identify LGBTIQA+ experience poorer mental health and higher rates of suicide than the broader community. They are also at higher risk of some health conditions and may not access support or services due to fear of discrimination (LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, 2021).

That’s why Merri Health works to create safe and inclusive spaces and health services for all. To support rainbow health, we have joined Midsumma’s Virtual Stalls, along with hundreds of other community organisations and businesses that support LGBTIQA+ communities.

Merri’s virtual stall showcases Merri-led initiatives that support LGBTIQA+ health, as well as how community can receive support through our services, and a vibrant performance from YGLAM– a queer theatre group where young people can meet up and create quirky, meaningful art in a safe space.

Merri has also launched a bright, colourful ‘selfie’ Safe Spaces window decal at 493 Sydney Road, Coburg. People are encouraged to take a photo “holding” the bunch of balloon and post to social media tagging #RainbowHealthMatters and @MerriHealth to support rainbow health and safe spaces for the LGBTIQA+ community.

As part of the festival, Merri Health is also excited to be taking part in the Pride March on May 23.

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More information:

Human Rights' Face the Facts found 6 in 10 people that identify LGBTIQA+ have been a victim of verbal homophobic abuse. (2014)

Respect Victoria has reported that six in every ten LGBTIQA+ people in Australia have experienced family violence or abuse from family members. (2021)