h a r d c o p i e s o f t h i s m a g a z i n e , s c a n t o
e n t e r y o u r d e t a i l s .
This publication is an initiative of the Health Promotion Program at TasCAHRD, the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases.
TasCAHRD receives funding from the Crown through the Department of Health to provide these services.
Photos in this magazine are courtesy of Unsplash Photographers.
WARNING: Views expressed in Red Thread are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD.
Would you like to see your business or service advertised in this magazine? Contact TasCAHRD for more information – editor@redthread.org.au
Caring for our LGBTIQA+ carers
One in six Tasmanians is a carer. This means more than 87,000 Tasmanians care for a family member or friend with disability, mental ill health, chronic or life-limiting illness, alcohol or other drug dependence, or who is frail and aged.
Caring for a loved one can be one of the most selfless roles a person can take on. However, it can also be stressful and isolating. Like all carers, LGBTIQA+ carers face the emotional, physical, and financial pressures of supporting a family member or friend. They may also experience additional challenges, such as feeling unseen, a lack of understanding from services, or the fear of not having their identity respected. These added barriers can make it even harder to seek support, leading to increased stress and feelings of isolation.
Through Carer Gateway, carers can access a range of free support and services to help them in their caring role. This includes information, referrals, and advice, as well as safe and confidential counselling. Carers can also access one-on-one coaching to set goals and make positive changes, along with practical assistance like help at home. If something unexpected happens, 24/7 emergency support is also available.
Care2Serve, the Tasmanian provider of the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway program, is committed to ensuring that LGBTIQA+ carers feel safe, supported, and valued. As a Rainbow Tick accredited organisation, Care2Serve provides inclusive support tailored to meet the unique needs of LGBTIQA+ carers. Whether you are caring for a family member or friend, there is support for you.
Carers can join a carer support group either in person or online to connect with others who understand the challenges of caring. Care2Serve hosts wellbeing events throughout the year, giving carers a chance to take a break and focus on self-care. Care2Serve can assist with coordinating residential respite, allowing carers to take a break while knowing their loved one is taken care of.
Being a carer can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS)
Are you or someone you care about affected by sexual violence? We’re here to listen, support, and provide the tools and knowledge to create positive change.
SASS is a free and confidential service that welcomes and supports people of all genders, ages, cultures, sexualities, and abilities.
As specialists in sexual violence, we work with individuals, families, and communities to promote healing, challenge harmful norms, encourage respectful relationships, and build a culture of consent and safety.
24/7 confidential helpline: 1800 697 877
Need immediate support? Our helpline is available anytime, day or night. Whether you need guidance, reassurance, or a safe space to talk, we’re here for you.
Get in touch
Location Highfield House, 114 Bathurst St, Hobart
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Phone & Email
For non-urgent enquiries, our friendly team is happy to provide information about our services and support options.
Phone: (03) 6231 0044
Email: admin@sass.org.au
Visit our website for more information: www.sass.org.au
Scan the QR code to visit our website
we can create a safer, more respectful Tasmania.
Together,
By Naomi
Embracing difference
I recently attended a conference on tackling stigma.
Looking around I realised that I was one of the few people at the conference who doesn’t face significant stigma every day.
I found myself asking the question, what is my role here?
This led me to wonder why current anti-stigma/discrimination programs don’t seem to work.
People might feel less stigmatised if we encourage them to represent their own points of view.
Systemically our cultures could be better founded on a spirit of mutual respect.
We could use language to embrace difference and encourage multiple points of view.
It’s complex and simple at the same time, and it comes down to one basic concept:
Be respectful to someone who is different.
Why is the world unable to cope with difference of views, ideas, identities, sexuality, personal practices, religion, and race?
So I set myself a personal challenge to create spaces of inclusivity, to help people acknowledge and respect difference, and to reinforce the need for opposing views that are not harmful or derogatory.
I don’t need to speak for those who are stigmatised. I need to help create a space in which they feel safe to speak their own truth.
Why don’t you join me in being respectful to people who are different.
And by doing so help reduce stigma and discrimination.
By Emily
Keep queer joy alive
With the rise of rightwing politics around the globe, many minorities are experiencing higher levels of discrimination-based stress.
Of course, this isn’t new, but it is difficult to balance the desire to remain informed, with how much anxiety you can experience just from reading the news.
I’m a therapist who often works with clients experiencing overwhelm. Here are my top tips for keeping your queer joy alive, combatting despair, and staying in the good fight.
Draw strength from the
queer legacy
Remember, you are part of a community with a long and glorious history of resilience. The courage that it takes to be authentically you is exactly what those in power find so intimidating. Read up on queer history, and walk into a room like your rainbow ancestors held the door open for you.
Media in moderation
Notice your body. When you’re feeling choked up, agitated, heavy or stuck, put the social media down, move your body, and breathe fresh air. Nobody is designed to process this degree of vicarious trauma 24/7.
Vent safely
Treasure those relationships where it feels safe to share feelings about what’s happening. Use good communication protocols to check in with others before and after getting things off your chest, being aware that ideally these conversations should relieve, not increase, the pressure on everyone. Therapy, journaling, exercise, and music may all help.
Self-care, self-expression
Your anxiety and rage about current events is valid, and a reminder of your humanity and compassion. But it’s not emotionally sustainable to be blended with those feelings all the time. Take a breather. What small things would bring you joy this week? Find time to nurture yourself and fill your cup. Wear something colourful, express yourself creatively, connect with pets or nature, and give yourself every chance of a good night’s sleep.
Build community
Nobody is meant to get through hard times alone, or do everything alone. Putting energy into your community and friendships will help you feel empowered, and build a support network that can lift each other up during tough times. Work on what you love and are called to do, no matter how small, and trust that you’re doing your part. We may be witnessing the time in history that comes right before the systemic change we need.
If you’re an ally…
It’s fine to consume as little media as you need to, to stay sane and healthy.
We need you more than ever! Please validate, listen to, and provide extra dollops of joy to any queer folk in your life. Raise your voice against homophobia and transphobia and make the social and professional spaces you move in safer for everyone.
E: hello@wildcalmtherapies.com.au
W: www.wildcalmtherapies.com.au
Play safe
May 7 is International Harm Reduction Day, a day dedicated to cultivating awareness on reducing the negative impacts of sex and drug use, without judgment.
It’s a day to acknowledge the value of having an open mind.
Harm reduction provides people with the tools and resources they need to play safer, and to live healthier lives, regardless of their circumstances. We all deserve a chance to make better decisions without fear of being stigmatised.
PrEP: A step towards preventing HIV
One example of harm reduction is PrEP (PreExposure Prophylaxis), a pill that can prevent HIV. For people at high risk of HIV, taking PrEP daily can drastically lower the chances of getting the virus. It’s a harm reduction tool that provides a way for individuals to protect their health, offering empowerment and safety. By using PrEP, we can take proactive steps to reduce the ipact that HIV can cause in our lives.
Condoms: Simple but effective protection
Condoms are another easy and powerful harm reduction tool. Condoms not only prevent the tranmission of HIV and Hepatitis B but also protect against many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used correctly, condoms create a barrier that stops viruses and bacteria from being transmitted during sex. Providing access to condoms helps people make safer choices and protect themselves from harm. They are a vital part of harm reduction and a key tool for sexual health.
Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs: Helping to reduce risk
Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs (NSPs) are also an essential part of harm reduction. These programs provide sterile needles and syringes to people who inject drugs, helping to prevent the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne virus like hepatitis. NSPs offer a safe, non-judgmental space for people to get the supplies they need. They also often provide education and support for individuals, helping them to make safer choices about their health.
Harm reduction is about creating a community where people are supported, not judged. It’s about understanding that everyone makes different choices, and that we all deserve access to resources that can help us live healthier, safer lives. By understanding harm reduction strategies like PrEP, condoms, and needle exchange programs, we’re building a society that respects everyone’s right to care and safety.
Remember the fight
May 17 is IDAHOBIT DayInternational Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia.
It’s a day to remember how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go in making the world a more accepting place for everyone, no matter who they love or how they identify.
Respecting Diversity Makes Us Stronger
As we reflect on these important days, let’s also remember that diversity is the foundation of society. Everyone deserves respect, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, or health status. We all have something valuable to contribute, and when we respect and support one another, we create a more inclusive world. Fighting stigma and embracing differences helps us build a society where everyone is free to live their truth. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and loved.
May 18 is International AIDS Memorial Day.
It’s a day to honour the lives of people who’ve died from AIDS-related illnesses. It’s a chance to reflect on the lives lost, the struggles faced, and the continued fight against HIV.
Know these three ways to prevent HIV.
PrEP - Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
PrEP is a medication taken before sex to stop an HIV transmission. If you are at risk of HIV, then PrEP can protect you.
PEP - Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
PEP is a medication taken within 72 hours after a possible HIV exposure. PEP can stop HIV from transmitting.
U=U - Undetectable = Untransmittable
If someone with HIV takes their medication regularly and their viral load is undetectable, they cannot pass HIV on to others. This is an amazing breakthrough in the fight against HIV and shows how important it is to get tested and treated.
By Adrian
LGBTQIA+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day
LGBTQIA+ Domestic
Violence Awareness Day is held annually on May 28.
First launched in 2020, this day shines a light on intimate partner violence, family violence, and abuse within LGBTQIA+ communities.
Signs of Abuse
When you think about your relationship do you have feelings of being:
• Guilty, alone, or depressed?
• Panicked or frightened?
• Trapped and unable to cope?
• Like it’s all in your mind?
• Responsible for your partner’s actions?
Everyone deserves to live free from violence. However, for many LGBTQIA+ people, this is not their reality. Research shows that more than 60% of LGBTQIA+ individuals will experience domestic, family, or intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Despite this, many victims remain unseen, and reporting rates are low.
One reason for this is that the person using abuse may convince their partner that their behaviour is normal. If you or someone you know feels uneasy in a relationship but can’t quite pinpoint why, it may be a sign you are experiencing abuse. Abuse can start subtly—through controlling gestures, constant criticism, or making you feel guilty for doing things you enjoy. Over time, this can escalate, making you feel trapped or powerless.
Does your partner:
• Check up on you all the time with phone calls, text and messaging? Blame you when things go wrong?
• Control, invalidate or ridicule your gender expression, including hurtful comments about ‘passing’?
• Isolate you from your support network, LGBTIQA+ spaces, chosen family or community?
• Control your finances or access to essentials, including medication?
Abuse can take many forms, and no one deserves to experience it. If this sounds familiar, know that it is not your fault and support is available.
Engender Equality provides free, confidential counselling and support in Tasmania. Contact us at (03) 6278 9090, admin@ engenderequality.org.au.
If you are in danger, call 000.
By Adrian, LGBTQIA+ Family Violence Practitioner, Engender Equality
Working It Out is lo g people with an interest in providing input into WIO’s strategic decisions, with a focus on helping us meet the community’s needs.
We are looking for a diverse range of people, particularly those with identities that have been historically underrepresented by WIO staff and Board members.
EOIs will be open for the month of April (and beyond if required). For more info scan the QR code or email: ceilidh@workingitout.org.au
Increase your understanding of the issues and challenges faced by survivors of sexual harm.
For front line health professionals, community services or managers supporting staff.
Bulk condoms and lube available 144 condoms for $30.00 and 500 ml lube for $12.00 03 6234 1242 or mail@tascahrd.org.au
Competition closes Monday, June 30th.
*T&C apply
NSP OUTLETS &
PRIMARY
Northwest
Youth, Family and Community Connection
62 Stewart Street Devonport
Anglicare 51 Wilmot Street Burnie
South
Bridgewater Community Centre
6 Bowden Drive Bridgewater
Anglicare 436 Main Road Glenorchy
Anglicare 159 Collins Street Hobart
Clarence Integrated Care Centre
18-22 Bayfield Street Rosny
North
Salvation Army
111 Elizabeth Street Launceston
SECONDARY
Northwest
Burnie Community House
24 Wiseman Street Burnie
North West Regional Hospital
23 Brickport Road Burnie
King Island District Hospital and Health Centre
35 Edwards Street Currie
Devonport Community Health Centre
23 Steele Street Devonport
Rosebery Community Hospital Hospital Road Rosebery
Smithton District Hospital
74 Brittons Road Smithton
Wyndarra Centre Inc.
43 Smith Street Smithton
West Coast District Hospital
60-64 Orr Street Queenstown
South
The Link Youth Health Service
57 Liverpool Street Hobart
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
56 Patrick Street Hobart
Geeveston Community Centre
9b School Road Geeveston
Gagebrook Community Centre
191 Lamprill Circuit Gagebrook
Tasmanian Council on Aids, Hepatitis and Related Diseases 319 Liverpool Street Hobart
Bridge Treatment and Recovery Services
63-83 Creek Road New Town
North
Cape Barren Community Health Centre
5 Everett Court Cape Barren Island
Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre
James Street Flinders Island
Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc
16 West Street Lady Barron
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre 182 Charles Street Launceston
Ravenswood Community Health Centre
39-41 Lambert Street Ravenswood
St Helens District Hospital 10 Annie Street St Helens
VENDING MACHINES
South
Anglicare Hobart NSP 159 Collins Street, Hobart
Northwest 40-48 Best Street, Devonport –Ground level, Multi-level carpark
North Salvation Army 111 Elizabeth Street Launceston
Youngtown Pharmacy
369 Hobart Road Youngtown
These NSP locations have been reproduced from the Department of Health webpage.
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Fentanyl Test Strips are FREE and allow you to be more about informed the drugs you use
Anglicare Hobart NSP 159 Collins Street
Open 12:30pm – 5pm weekdays
Anglicare Glenorchy NSP 436 Main Rd Open 10am-4:30pm weekdays
Speak to your friendly NSP staff to find out more.
NSP PHARMACIES
NORTH WEST
Healthpoint Pharmacy Burnie
Pharmacy 4 Less Burnie
Upper Burnie Alliance Pharmacy
King Island Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart – Valley Road
Mersey Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart Latrobe
Advantage Pharmacy Penguin
Railton Pharmacy
Turnbull's Pharmacy
Guardian Pharmacy Smithton
Somerset Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Ulverstone
Peter Thompson's Pharmacy
Westside Pharmacy
Dixon's Pharmacy
Healthpoint Pharmacy
Yolla Community Pharmacy
Zeehan Pharmacy
NORTHWEST
Tamar Pharmacy
Bicheno Pharmacy
Bridport Pharmacy
Deloraine Amcal Pharmacy
Deloraine Guardian Pharmacy
Your Pharmacy
George Town Pharmacy
Epic Pharmacy Kings Meadows
Priceline Pharmacy Launceston
Terry White Chemmart Health Hub
Hatton and Laws Pharmacy Launceston
Terry White Chemmart Launceston
Longford Discount Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart
Terry White Chemmart Newstead
Perth Pharmacy
Ravenswood Discount Pharmacy
Riverside Pharmacy
Galloway's Pharmacy
St Helens Pharmacy
St Marys Pharmacy
Westbury Pharmacy
Youngtown Pharmacy
SOUTH
Bellerive Quay Pharmacy
Rhys Jones Pharmacy
Central Highlands Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Bridgewater
Brighton Pharmacy
Chigwell Pharmacy
Claremont Discount Pharmacy
Derwent Park Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart Dodges Ferry
Geeveston Pharmacy
Elizabeth Hope Priceline Pharmacy
Guardian Pharmacy Glenorchy Central
Priceline Pharmacy Hobart
Your Hobart Chemist
Davey Street Discount Pharmacy
Shoreline Amcal Pharmacy
Rosetta Pharmacy
Wentworth Pharmacy
Huonville Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Kingston
Chemist Outlet – Kingston
Terry White Chemist Kingston
Kingborough Medical Centre Pharmacy
Lauderdale Pharmacy
Lenah Valley Amcal Pharmacy
Lindisfarne Village Chemmart
Rosetta Pharmacy
Chemist Warehouse Moonah
New Norfolk Amcal Community Pharmacy
Guardian New Norfolk Pharmacy
Epic Pharmacy New Town
Friendly Care Chemmart New Town
North Hobart Amcal Pharmacy
Tasman Pharmacy
Oatlands Pharmacy
Risdon Vale Pharmacy
Chemist Warehouse Rosny
Terry White Rosny Park
Rhys Jones Pharmacy
Magnet Court Chemmart – Terry White
Healthpoint Pharmacy Snug
Chemmart Sorell
Chemist Warehouse Sorell
Sorell Plaza Pharmacy
South Hobart Capital Chemist
Swansea Pharmacy
Triabunna Pharmacy
Warrane Pharmacy
West Hobart Amcal Pharmacy
SIGNPOST
A guide to inclusive organisations in Tasmania
Care Forward
Carers Tasmania Ltd
City Organics
Clarence City Council
Clarence Doorways
Cloddy IT
Colony 47
Convict City Rollers
CVGT Hobart
Danu Herbs
Dianne Ainslie NDIS Support Worker
Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre
Ella Haddad MP
Emily Parkinson – Registered Psychologist
Equal Opportunity Tasmania
Eye Am Hair
Family Planning Tasmania
Fiori Florist
Flourish Mental Health Action in our Hands Inc
FRIENDZ LGBTIQ SOCIAL GROUP
Glenview Community Services
Goodbyes Hobart
Hairy Legs Cafe
Halcyon South
Hall Payne Lawyers
Hamlet
Hobart Brewing Company
Hobart Cat Café
Hobart Folk Dances (Folk Federation of Tasmania)
Hobart Functions & Conference Centre
Hobart North Uniting Church
Hobart Out Tennis Inc
Holyoake
Hospice volunteers South
inside Hobart
Inspired Office
Ironic Party Planning
Joyous Celebrations
Kingston Neighbourhood House
Laid Back Manor
Lindisfarne Psychology & Wellbeing Centre
Locker Room Hobart
Mitch Robson Counselling
Moto Vecchia Cafe
Mures Tasmania
New Town Chiropractic
New Town Health
Ogilvie Jennings Lawyers
Peppermint Bay
Positive Solutions
Pulse Youth Health
QTAS Arts
Queer Sporting Alliance
Rainbow Care Clinic
Rainbow Youth Events Hobart
Raw Strength Tasmania
State Cinema
Stress Free Fast
Sush
Sush Track
Tassie Bird and Poultry Supplies
Tempo Therapy & Consulting
Terry White Chemmart Lindisfarne
Terry White Chemmart Rosny Park
The Art of Tea Bouteaque
The Circus Studio
The Grand Poobah
The Hobart Bookshop
The Huon Domestic Violence Service
The Link Youth Health Service
The Page And Cup
Theatre Royal
Thistle Witch Gardening
Transform Counselling and Psychotherapy
Youth Arts & Recreation Centre
NORTH:
Attitude Counselling
Beaconsfield Child and Family Centre
Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre
Bright Beginnings Yoga
CVGT Launceston
Deloraine House Inc
Diversity Launceston
Dorset Community House
Enterprising Aardvark Counselling and Consultancy
Florage
Gentle Death Education and Planning
Launceston Community Legal Centre
Launceston Football Club
Launceston Head to Health
Mediation Matters Tasmania
Positive Solutions
Prydes Support
Respect at Work
Reynish Counselling
Salveo Healthcare
Skittles LGBTQIA+ Youth Group
Tamar Visitor Centre
The Blue Door
The Church Campbell Town
Tresca Community Centre
NORTH-WEST:
Burnie City Council
Connect4Life
Dr Claire Jensen
East Devonport Neighbourhood House
HAEL XIII
Headspace Devonport
Secret Buddha Cafe
Serenity House
The Postmaster Inn Bed and Breakfast
Victoria Street Clinic
Wajan Hale Counselling
Warrawee Women’s Shelter
Weddings For Everyone
Youth, Family & Community Connections
TASMANIA WIDE:
Almost Heaven Clydesdales
Anglicare Tasmania
Australian Unemployed Workers Union Tasmania
Baptcare Family and Community Services Tasmania
Cancer Council Tasmania
Carers Tasmania
Community and Public Sector Union
Council on the Ageing
Daydream Photography
Engender Equality
Equal Together
Equality Tasmania
Heidi Harrison Psychotherapy
Independent Living Centre Tasmania
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service
Libraries Tasmania
Lifeline Tasmania
Love Is All – Civil Celebrant
Marry Me, Memily
Mental Health Council of Tasmania
Mission Australia – Disability Employment Services
Pride Society of UTAS
Rainbow Communities Tasmania
Rebecca White MP
Scarlet Alliance Tasmanian Sex Worker Project
Sensual Potential
Sexual Assault Support Service
St John Ambulance
Statewide Sexual Health Service
TasCAHRD
A Tasmanian Lifeline
Tasmania Police
TasPride
TasTAFE Student Support Team
Tender Funerals
Transgender Tasmania
Uniting AgeWell
UTAS Ally Network
Working It Out
Signpost is a project of Working It Out. signpost@workingitout.org.au
SERVICES DIRECTORY
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TASMANIA
https://equalopportunity.tas.gov.au
Ph 1300 305 062
The office of the anti-discrimination commissioner
SCARLET ALLIANCE TASMANIAN SEX
WORKER OUTREACH PROJECT
outreachtas@scarletalliance.org.au
Ph 0451 835 897
www.scarletalliance.org.au
TASPRIDE
www.taspride.com
Celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian LGBTIQQ community
WORKING IT OUT
www.workingitout.org.au
Sexuality and gender support and counselling
SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICE
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/sexualhealth
Toll Free: 1800 675 859
Clinic 60 – 60 Collins St Hobart
Ph 03 6166 2672
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Clinic 34 – 34 Howick St Launceston
Ph 03 6777 1371
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Devonport – Ph 03 6777 1371
by appointment only
Counselling, support, referrals, STI/HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions
TASCAHRD – TASMANIAN COUNCIL ON AIDS, HEPATITIS & RELATED DISEASES
www.tascahrd.org.au
Ph 1800 005 900
TAS POLICE LGBTIQ LIAISON OFFICERS
www.police.tas.gov.au
Ph 03 6230 2111 (Hobart)
Ph 03 6336 7000 (Launceston)
Ph 03 6434 5211 (North West)
ATDC TAS – THE ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & OTHER DRUGS COUNCIL OF TASMANIA
http://www.atdc.org.au/ Advocating and initiatives
THE LINK YOUTH HEALTH SERVICE & HEAD SPACE FOR PEOPLE AGED 12-24
http://www.thelink.org.au
57 Liverpool St Hobart | Ph 03 6231 2927
Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Counselling, outreach, case management, support for mental and sexual health, alcohol and drugs (incl NSP), family planning
HOBART COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE
www.hobartlegal.org
166 Macquarie Street, Hobart | Ph 03 6223 2500
Shop 3, Covehill Fair, Bridgewater
Ph 03 6263 4755
FAMILY PLANNING TASMANIA
http://www.fpt.org.au
421 Main Rd Glenorchy
Ph 03 6273 9117 | Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5.00pm
93 Patterson St Launceston
Ph 03 6343 4566 | Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5.00pm
199 Mount Street Upper Burnie
Ph 03 6431 7692 (Tues, Wed and Thurs)
Contraception, cervical screening, gynecology, sexual health checks, planned and unplanned pregnancy..
