Sexual health experiences and needs of sexually and gender diverse young Aboriginal people

The challenge

Within the Australian national sexually transmissible infection (STI) and HIV strategies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people of diverse sexualities and genders are recognised within several priority populations. Yet there is limited surveillance, behavioural or qualitative data that documents the specific but diverse sexual health needs, experiences or preferences of sexually and gender diverse Aboriginal young people. This lack of research inhibits the design of safe, appropriate health promotion programs and health services to prevent STIs and HIV among sexually and gender diverse Aboriginal young people in Australia.

The project

Funded by the Department of Health, this is the first national qualitative study exploring issues related to STIs and HIV prevention among sexually and gender diverse Aboriginal young people in Australia. For the first time, the project will generate qualitative findings to inform the development of age- and culturally-appropriate sexual health services and STI and HIV prevention and sexual health promotion programs for sexually and gender diverse Aboriginal young people.

The method

Qualitative research will be conducted with sexually and gender diverse Aboriginal young people living in metropolitan and regional locations in Australia. Photo research activities and online semi-structured interviews will be used to engage young Aboriginal people to gather their personal histories of sexual health and service engagement experiences.

The results

The research will provide an important qualitative evidence base informing the design of appropriate health promotion programs and health service delivery models aimed at reducing STIs and HIV among sexuality and gender diverse Aboriginal young people in Australia.

The impact

The desired outcome of this project will be the development of appropriate programs and services that reduce STIs and HIV risk among sexually and gender diverse Aboriginal young people across Australia.

Project collaborators
  • University of Sydney
Project funding
  • Department of Health