Word on the Sheets

Word on the Sheets is a groundbreaking new sexual health resource by and for LGBTQ+ women. It’s an online hub for accessible, inclusive, and relevant sexual and reproductive health information.

Visit Word on the Sheets at www.wordonthesheets.org.au.

SWASH – The Sydney Women and Sexual Health Survey

The Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) survey was first carried out in 1996. It was initiated by workers from two ACON projects, Women Partners of Gay and Bisexual Men and the Gay and Lesbian Injecting Drug Use Project, who were faced with a lack of empirical evidence on which to base their intervention work. Research on the health and wellbeing of lesbian, bisexual and queer women (cis and trans) is still scarce.

SWASH is now a comprehensive survey of sexual and gender identity; community connection; smoking, alcohol and drug use; sexual health; psychological wellbeing; experiences of anti-gay, sexual and domestic violence; parenthood intentions; preventive health behaviour including screening; healthcare access and satisfaction.

The survey is run every two years by a collaboration of ACON and researchers at the University of Sydney.

For more information and research on the health of women (cis and trans) in Australia, visit The Australian Women’s Health Network’s Women’s Health Hub online library and ACON’s TransHub.

The latest 2020 SWASH report is available here.

Previous SWASH reports:

• • SWASH 2018 – Women in contact with the Sydney LGBTQ communities 
  • SWASH 2018 – Women in contact with the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast LGBTQ communities
  • SWASH 2016
  • SWASH News Flash: Key findings from the 2016 SWASH Report
  • SWASH 2014
  • SWASH News Flash: Key findings from the 2014 SWASH Report
  • SWASH 2012
  • SWASH 2010
  • SWASH Report Card 2010
  • SWASH 2004
  • SWASH 2000
  • SWASH 1996/1998

Women’s Sexual Health

Women in LGBTQ communities (cis and trans) are diverse and our sexual health needs depend on the kind of sex we’re having.

The best way to manage your sexual health is to learn about your options for playing safe and get regular sexual health checks.

Check OUT: LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Clinic is a safe and inclusive clinic for our communities. We offer HIV/STI screening and/or cervical screening for all LGBTQ+ people. Check OUT provides trauma-informed care and is sex-positive and sex work friendly. The clinic is staffed by LGBTQ+ peer workers and expert sexual health nurses. Book online or find out more: www.checkout.org.au

There is still some misinformation in our communities that women who have sex with women are not at risk of STIs. Infection rates among women who have sex with women are actually estimated to be the same as heterosexual women, but current research shows that 37% of women in the LGBTIQ community have never had an STI test, despite the vast majority being sexually active.

The Play Safe website has a top five tips for safe sex between women and if you need safe sex supplies and are a member of the LGBTQ community we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!). Find out more and order here.

Seeing a GP

There are many local doctors, counsellors and health services that provide great, holistic services to the LGBTQ community:

The Australian Lesbian Medical Association (ALMA) compiles an up to date list of doctors and mental health professionals who are recommended by lesbian and bisexual women. This is a national project. There are currently around 90 doctors and mental health professionals on the list, including GPs and specialists, metropolitan and rural doctors.

ANZPATH (Australian and New Zealand Professional Association for Transgender Health) has a list of service providers in NSW.

Women’s Health NSW is a collective of non-government, community based women’s health and specialist centres. All centres are feminist services that provide choices for women to determine their individual health needs. The site provides a list of women’s health centres that you can access by calling for an appointment.

If you’re trans, you can also look up ACON’s Gender-Affirming GP list to find doctors who will be trans affirming while providing sexual health and gender affirming care. 

Breast Cancer

Anyone with breast tissue can get breast cancer regardless of family history, gender identity or sexuality. Join our united front against breast cancer, book a screen today.

Visit canwe.org.au/staying-healthy/breast-screening/

Bowel Cancer

When it comes to bowel cancer screening in our community, we need to get our kit together. If detected early, more than 90% of cases can be treated successfully.

Visit canwe.org.au/staying-healthy/bowel-screening/

Cervical Cancer Screening

I’m trans, do I need to screen?

Yes. Trans men and trans masc folk with a cervix who are 25 years of age or older are at risk of cervical cancer and need regular cervical screening.

Find everything you need to know about cervical screening, including HPV and the Cervical Screening Test, how to book your test and the choice of testing options available on the Can We website.

Visit canwe.org.au/cervical-screening/

Cancer

We’re here to help women take steps to prevent their risk of cancer and find support after diagnosis and treatment.

To find out more please visit the ‘Cancer’ section on our website or visit ACON’s Can We website.

Free Play Packs

NEED SAFE SEX SUPPLIES?

If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you need safe sex supplies, we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!).

Simply complete the form below and we will get your play pack(s) delivered in no time!

If you need bulk supplies for a party, you can also request them from the below form.

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact: kink@acon.org.au

Order your play pack here.

Community Resources for Women

The Australian Lesbian Medical Associations (ALMA) DocLIST website features an extensive list of information and resources to help lesbian, bi and queer women connect with their community and get information on health, legal and human rights issues.

On the list you will find over 600 national and state-based organisations, groups and services and resources. Examples include community events, health services, counselling and support services, social groups, sporting groups, artistic organisations, and young people’s groups.