Lets talk about sex.... - Auckland District Health Board

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Key themes and findings
1. Visibility:
i. Discussions about S.O. or G.I. are not being initiated or facilitated by most clinicians/
health professionals with all service users (Rainbow and non-Rainbow), and there is a lack
of understanding of why this is important
ii. Most Rainbow service users clearly indicated they would like to be asked about their S.O.
or G.I. directly at the initial assessment. Not being asked directly was viewed as a
barrier to effective services. This was evident in both the anonymous survey and service
user key informant interviews
iii. Service users identify their S.O. and/or G.I. in a multitude of different ways
iv. There is a lack of visibility of Rainbow service users and Rainbow service providers with
very few targeted services and/or mandated clinical or support roles working with Rainbow
service users. This acts as a barrier to effective services
v. There is a lack of visual invitation to Rainbow service users, both overt and covert, with
very few visual cues that indicate Rainbow service users are welcome
vi. Very few support groups or resources/peer support for Rainbow service users exist
vii. Rainbow service users whanau/family are often not included adequately in care, and/or not
equally recognised
2. Service users fear the response of the clinician/health professional or discrimination:
i. Service users experience heteronormativity/heterosexism/cissexism within services.
Assumptions about S.O. or G.I. are often expected and/or experienced, with many service
users concealing their S.O. or G.I because of this.
ii. Many service users have had previous negative experiences when accessing mental health
and addiction services, and service users fear a negative reaction, including discrimination
and prejudice if they identify as from the Rainbow community (reported by both S.U and S.P).
iii. Some service users experience internalised homo/bi/transphobia, such as shame or
embarrassment, and this can contribute to their fear of talking with their clinician/health
professional, as reported by both service users and providers