• For some people sexuality is deeply linked to experiences of torture, trauma or rape, while others have mixed emotions about same sex experiences while incarcerated. Many workers who are not trained to respond to these issues are reluctant to discuss sexuality for fear of raising traumatic experiences or causing unintended offence;

• Isolation is a huge issue for people from CALD backgrounds, especially those who are newly arrived in Australia, and it’s very important to address any issue that increases isolation;

• The responses of parents, other family members and members of the community is very important. Negative responses can lead to feelings of rejection and isolation. It’s hard enough being a newly arrived person, but being isolated from family and the people who support you make it much harder; and

• There are sometimes strong ideas about sexuality in specific cultures. Some young people are interested in experimenting sexually, but then go on to experience extreme guilt if they become sexually active.

Talking about sexuality

The most common topic raised by workers in non-sexuality specific services were concerns about traumatic experiences their clients may have experienced, particularly sexual violence, rape, trauma and torture. There was a desire for information about:

• There are sometimes strong ideas about sexuality in specific cultures. Some young people are interested in experimenting sexually, but then go on to experience extreme guilt if they become sexually active.

• How to talk about sexualitywhile being sensitive to the feelings of clients whose sense of identity, gender and sexuality may have been challenged; and;

• How to discuss SSA while being sensitive to the fact that clients are faced with many new ideas and adjustments when they settle in a new country.

In order to address some of these issues, have a look at some of the tips below…

Where workers can find more information, support and information

Training
There is a clear need for greater training around SSA/ transsexuality or trangenderism and culture to increase the understanding and confidence of people working with people from CALD backgrounds. They need to know why people may choose to confide in them, how to respond sensitively and respectfully, and how and where to refer their clients if at any time that becomes a useful option.

Workers should be encouraged to view each client as their cultural advisor and learn about the impacts on their specific circumstances. There is also a lot of information about the relationship between culture and sexuality that can assist and inform discussions about sexuality. We have included links to several sites and articles you may find helpful. ( See Section 7)

Workers emphasised the need to learn about their own values and culture in order to minimise the impact of unintentional offence, harm or alienation.

Training could take place in a number of locations and/or formats. As well as running specific training sessions, workers suggested that Bfriend talk to whole organisations rather than just individuals, for example at their team meetings or by creating presentations that can be delivered to workers at their own events, for example at continuing professional development days, training events or conferences. If you want to talk more about possible training opportunities please contact Bfriend.

Sharing Information
A number of workers who we consulted with suggested that providing opportunities for people who work in this area share information would be useful. Some of the suggestions about how this could be done include:

• Linking into existing agencies and networks to share information, for example the nurses network at SHineSA;

• Creating a specific e-network dedicated to issues of SSA in CALD communities, sending out monthly e-newsletters and advising of new resources; and

• Providing an opportunity for workers to get together to discuss their work and learn about what has worked well for others.

Please also refer to our ‘Resource Lists’ section of this guide for more comprehensive information about existing resources.

Things to consider in the provision of appropriate and non-discriminatory services

• Carefully consider whether or not it is appropriate to use an interpreter - a client may have approached you about issues to do with sexuality because you are not from their community. Your client may feel uncomfortable discussing these issues with someone who is from their cultural background. An interpreter in a small community may also be personally known to your client or their family.

• Providing an opportunity for workers to get together to discuss their work and learn about what has worked well for others.

• If you have to ask very personal questions, as in the case of domestic violence and rape, first explain that you are going to ask personal questions. Check that your client is comfortable with the process

• You cannot always tell whether someone is SSA/Trans – and they will not necessarily open up to you. For this reason, when speaking to a client, do not make assumptions about the gender of their partner.

• If you do know that someone is SSA/Trans, do not make assumptions about his or her personality or lifestyle.

• Don’t probe into people’s private lives. This is not your opportunity to get sensational information.

• Find out what supportstructures your clients have access to. If they have no reliable support, refer them to organisations that are GLBTIQ friendly.

• If a client has previously disclosed that they have been or are currently in a same sex relationship, don’t assume that their next relationship will be a same sex one.

• Help the client to become aware of their rights. Just because they seem confident in the way they speak, doesn’t mean they are fully informed of their rights.

• Before concluding be sure to ask your client whether they feel they have been assisted or if they have any more questions.

If you feel uncomfortable, here is a list of things you can try:

• Remember that it has probably taken a lot of courage for the client to be open to you about their sexual orientation

• When speaking to your client, be honest about your ignorance and show them that you respect them enough not to make assumptions based on stereotypes and prejudices

• Have a list of CALD friendly GLBTIQ support organisations as well as friendly doctors, psychologists and lawyers. Be proactive in making contact with GLBTIQ organisations to find out if they have thought about how to welcome SSA/Trans people from CALD backgrounds. You need to have confidence that the person you refer will be treated respectfully.

When and how to refer
A referral should never be a response to your own lack of tolerance. You need to provide the basic services your department or organisation claims to be offering the public. Referral should only take place when there is a need for a specialist service.

When referring a SSA/Trans person, you should take the time to explain clearly who you are referring them to and why. Make sure that they have all the correct contact details. Make sure the person or agency you are referring them to has all the information they need and that the client does not have to repeat everything again. If necessary, make sure the person or agency you are referring to is aware of any relevant language issues and of available/appropriate interpreting services.

Where to refer your client if you feel you’re not the right person to talk to
The following agencies are very well equipped to handle referrals of CALD SSA clients. It’s a good idea to make contact with some of the workers at each agency so that you know exactly who you’re referring to in order to make the best and safest choice for the client.

Bfriend
Bfriend is a programme of UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide providing support for people of all ages who are wondering about their sexuality/gender identity and/or people who are newly identifying as same sex attracted/gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/intersex/queer.

• Bfriend is a free programme

• Bfriend is a confidential programme

• Bfriend has paid staff and a number of volunteers

SHineSA
Website: www.shinesa.org.au
Phone: 8364 0444 (Sexual Healthline)

The Second Story Youth Health Service
Phone: 1300 13 17 19 (Youth Healthline – 24 hours)
Address: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide

TSS has the following relevant programmes:

• The Inside Out Project for young men

• Shangri-La which is for young Asian men

• Evolve for Young Women

Phone: 8232 0233

Relationships Australia SA
Address: 49a Orsmond Street, Hindmarsh 5007
Phone: 8245 8100

Man2Man Information Line
A service of Gay Men’s Health
Phone: 8334 1617 (Monday – Friday 9 – 5)

Workers can also get assistance and advice from the above listed agencies (again, it’s a good idea to network
with these agencies – try and get along to their launches, network meetings, information sessions, afternoon
teas and so on!)