In the past few years, we have seen remarkable progress in LGBTIQ+ rights and acceptance in many parts of the world. Yet, even with this progress, relocating as an LGBTIQ+ employee – particularly to a new country – can still be nerve-wracking.
For example, while Australia has been very welcoming of the LGBTIQ+ community and has progressive legal protections, navigating a new culture, social landscape, and legal nuances can still be daunting for you.
This is why we created this guide to share practical steps you can take when moving Down Under. The goal is to find an environment where you feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.
Why the LGBTQIA+ community needs support
We understand how relocating to a new country and culture is inherently challenging, but for the LGBTQIA+ community, it can be trickier. Finding your way around unfamiliar social norms and potentially having to reinvent yourself in a new environment are additional steps.
Unlike other new arrivals who might easily find community through shared ethnic or cultural backgrounds, you can sometimes face discrimination even within those groups, leaving you with a smaller pool of people with whom you can connect and assimilate.
How can you get better support?
As with everything we do, communication and managing expectations are the start! Please don’t feel that you need to hide anything from an Australian HR expert. If you’re on an international assignment, have a discussion with your global mobility manager and be open and honest. They are here to help. More often than not, they want to make your move as comfortable as possible but are unsure whether you’re open to discussing your personal life.
Perhaps you can start with these discussion points.
- The host company’s current culture. How welcoming and supportive is the new environment for LGBTQIA+ employees? Are there policies and practices in place to ensure your well-being and equal opportunities?
- Your individual needs as an LGBTQIA+ employee. What specific support do you need? Is it looking for a community you can join or perhaps a briefer on what to expect in the new environment?
- The changes required to get adequate support. Based on your assessment of company culture and your needs, are there changes needed so you can get enough support? Here are practical starting points:
- Dress code. Is there a company policy on cross-dressing, perhaps?
- Pronouns. Let them know your preferred pronouns.
- Data collection. Are data collection practices–particularly forms–inclusive and respectful of gender diversity?
- Language guide. Do you have resources on respectful language and communication to promote understanding and inclusivity?
Resources for the LGBTQIA+ community
Australia is known for its diverse and welcoming LGBTQIA+ communities. Whether you’re seeking social connections, healthcare, family support, or mental health resources, here are some key organisations to help you find your place:
National Organisations
- ACON – a leading health organisation specialising in the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, ACON provides a wide range of services, including sexual health clinics, counselling, social groups, and advocacy initiatives.
- Rainbow Families – if you’re an LGBTQ+ parent or considering starting a family, Rainbow Families offers support, resources, and community connection for all kinds of families.
- MindOut – a dedicated mental health service for the LGBTQIA+ community, offering counselling, support groups, and online resources.
- Rainbow Health Australia – this national initiative focuses on promoting health equity for LGBTQIA+ people through research, education, and policy advocacy.
Local Resources
Besides these national organisations, most major cities in Australia have LGBTQIA+ community centres, social groups, and specialised health services. A quick search online or reaching out to local LGBTQIA+ groups can help you discover resources specific to your area.
How Plan4Australia can help
We understand that moving to a new country, even one as welcoming as Australia can still be challenging. That’s why we offer the following services to support LGBTQIA+ individuals and families in their transition:
- Cultural training. Our cultural trainers can help you integrate and enjoy your new environment by understanding the nuances of Australian culture, customs, and social norms.
- Migrant resiliency coaching. Our certified coaches can assist you with building resilience and coping skills to adapt to the new culture.
- Community connections. We’ve helped numerous LGBTQIA+ individuals relocate to Australia, many of whom are eager to connect with newcomers. We can introduce you to others who share similar experiences, creating a supportive network from the moment you arrive.
