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On this page, we talk about gender and sexuality. We explain what the words mean, and where you can go for help if you are curious or worried about your sexuality or gender.
Gender is a person's sense of being a man, woman, or neither or both. Gender:
Sexuality means sexual feelings, thoughts, actions and attractions. You can be a sexual person even if you never have sex.
Everyone has the right to explore and express gender and sexuality in ways that feel good to them without hurting others.
Gender can be felt and lived in many ways. People might express gender in the:
Some people need medical help to express their gender. For example, someone might take medication or have surgery.
There are many genders. Common genders include:
Regardless of your gender, you have the right to be you!
If you can't freely express your gender in your day-to-day life, you might find other ways. For example, you could find an online group that is safe and accepting.
For many people, sex is an important part of life. It’s okay to do things that turn you on and make you feel good, as long as there is consent and the activity is legal and safe. When people give consent to sex, everyone understands what they’re doing, wants to be doing it and knows they can stop at any time if they change their mind.
We can express sexuality in many ways. Here are some examples:
Sexual orientation is about the type of person another person wants to kiss, touch or think about sexually. Sexual orientations include:
There have always been different genders and sexualities. People suffer when they are not able to freely express their gender and sexuality. Being curious, open and respectful helps everyone.
People can face discrimination about their gender or sexuality. Discrimination is when a person or organisation mistreats others because of who they are.
Discrimination about sexuality and gender can include:
Discrimination hurts. People who are gender diverse or queer have more risk of some mental health problems, like anxiety, depression and abusing alcohol or drugs.
If you currently face discrimination because of your gender or sexuality, we're sorry. You don’t need to go through it alone. Please, seek support.
Phone: 1800 184 527 available 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
QLife is for LGBTIQ+ people and their loved ones wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, offering support through 154 headspace centres across Australia, and online and phone counselling services.
Anonymous and confidential, Reachout is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future.
If you’re going through a hard time right now, the BeyondBlue Support Service is available 24 hours a week, 7 days a week for brief counselling.
Phone: 1300 224 636
It's normal to need support and care after experiencing violence or abuse. The support can help you heal and live a full and joyful life. Many people need time to regain confidence and independence after hard times. Taking extra special care of yourself can help. This section of Neve deals with recovery. It covers things like gaining financial independence and building self-confidence. We share self-care tips and advice about reconnecting to your community. We hope it will help you on your healing journey.
Find out moreBody image is how you see your body and your thoughts and feelings about it. This page describes some of the ways people in our community struggle with body image. We talk about disabled bodies, eating disorders and other things that affect how we see ourselves. We share strategies for growing to love and accept your body.
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