Exploring Identity for Multicultural LGBTIQ+ Person in Australia
For culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) LGBTIQ+ individuals, the process of embracing both cultural heritage and LGBTIQ+ identity can be challenging. Balancing family expectations, cultural values, and religious beliefs adds layers of complexity. This post explores key considerations, offers support and resources, and emphasises the value of seeking professional help from those who truly understand these unique experiences.
The Intersection of Identity, Culture, and Family
What will I face as a CALD LGBTIQ+ person? Living in conflict with cultural expectations, language, and religious views influencing family dynamics can often be challenging topics to address, especially when they involve cultural traditions and beliefs that overlap with one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Key Considerations:
- Cultural Pressures: Traditional ways of thinking about family, partnership, and the division of work can result in inner resistance towards living an authentic life.
- Language Barriers: There are some things you cannot even talk to family members about because if the language they speak does not have any words for appropriate concepts.
- Religious Beliefs: Some families may incorporate religious teachings into their child-rearing, which can lead to stigma when LGBTIQ+ identity is discussed.
- Cultural Community Ties: In closely-knit cultural communities, openness might be a double-edged decision as fear of judgment or being outed can lead to silence.
Advice on Dealing with Cultural, Linguistic, and Religious Ingredients:
- Self-Connection: Start with appreciating who you are now and holding your traditions high. Working with mindfulness and networking into supportive communities may assist you in navigating these junctures.
- Safe Spaces: Try to find safe spaces in the community or online that is accepting of who you are. (Such as those that we listed in the next section)
- Family Communication: If you decide to come out, plan your discussion with respectful language that highlights understanding. Remember to also consider your family members’ worldview and who do they have to support them when hearing about your coming out.
- Issues of Faith: Finding other religious or interfaith groups that will support you (if your family is not supportive) can make all the difference.
Supports, Resources & Groups for CALD LGBTIQ+ Individuals in Australia
It can really help to talk about some of the issues that are particularly challenging when you have like-minded resources and supports available. State-by-State Support and Advocacy Services:
Victoria
(in)visible, program by Queerspace (Drummond Street Services)
Multicultural & religious events and workshops connecting with LGBT youth. Queerspace delivers LGBTIQ+ mental health support in culturally diverse communities through counselling, peer support, and social programs.
https://thedrum.ds.org.au/program/invisible/
Gay Asian Pride by Thorne Harbour Health:
A social networking group for gay and bi same-sex attracted Asian men in Melbourne. They support friendship and having good conversations with friends. Thorn Harbour Health also offers other services, peer support groups, and resources for LGBTIQ+ communities, including culturally specific programs.
https://thorneharbour.org/services/multicultural-health/gap-gay-asian-proud/
Yellow Kitties
A support group for Asian lesbians, bi, questioning, intersex, transgender people in Melbourne, with various events and activities throughout the year, plus a strong presence at major queer rights rallies.
Greek and Gay
Greek and Gay Support Network provides monthly gatherings for Victoria’s Greek community.
https://www.facebook.com/greekkaigay/
Our Point 3
Support for LGBT international students and alumni. Check out their podcast series Voices of Us to hear life stories about people sharing their experiences as CALD LGBT in Australia
https://www.ourpoint3.org/voices-of-us#VouEpisodeSection
Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers (QEASP) by Many Coloured Sky
Support group for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, who run activities and meetings with Peer Support Workers to help individuals to navigate their new life in Australia and provide emergency aids when needed.
https://www.manycolouredsky.org/qraspaustralia
Marhaba
Marhaba is a Muslim LGBTQIA+ social support group founded by Imam Nur Warsame.
https://pridecentre.org.au/resources/marhaba/
Rainbodhi
This LGBTQIA+ Buddhist community group runs gatherings in Brunswick Melbourne, with meditation and guest speaker or discussion, providing safe space to connect with like minded queer Buddhists.
https://rainbodhi.org/melbourne-naarm/
New South Wales
Sydney Queer Muslims
A support group and safe outlet for LGBTIQ+ Muslims, providing culturally and religiously responsive programming, resources, and advocacy.
ACON Multicultural Health:
Services and social health programs for LGBTIQ+ communities in Sydney with a focus on ethnically diverse groups.
www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/multicultural-health
Australia & New Zealand Tongzhi Rainbow Alliance (ANTRA)
Based in Sydney, ANTRA offers peer support and events for queer Chinese in Australia & New Zealand.
Queensland
Multicultural Pride group by Open Doors Youth Service
An ongoing group for 12 to 24-year-olds from a CALD background. Among them are specialist LGBTIQ+ youth support services, including multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
https://www.opendoors.net.au/lgbtqiap-social-groups/
Western Australia
Umbrella Multicultural Community Care
Support for older LGBTIQ+ folks from different cultural backgrounds with resources and social activities aimed at inclusion.
www.umbrellacommunitycare.com.au
If there is a service you feel is worthy to be added to this list, feel free to contact us at hello@ashorewellness.com.au
Summary
Since they tend to keep their sexuality a secret, relying on friends and organisations within the community is a great way for CALD LGBTIQ+ individuals to stay strong together. Friendships are important because we all want someone to turn to during difficult times.
But what do you do in those times when your tribe doesn’t have a friend who can offer support? Connecting with a counsellor or therapist who appreciates the complexity of both CALD and LGBTIQ+ identities can be a great source of support.
Professionals who understand your culture can provide a safe space to discuss conflicts and talk about what identity means for your family. Support tailored to your needs can foster resilience, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being.
Nick at Ashore Wellness is a gay counsellor specialising in narrative therapy. As a migrant from Taiwan, he has extensive experience supporting people from multicultural backgrounds across various support services. Contact us today to learn more about how Nick can assist you in navigating tough times.
