LGBTIQ+ Health Australia was born out of a growing need for a more holistic view of LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing. This need was first recognised at a series of national LGBTIQ+ health conferences, named Health in Difference (or HiD).

In 1996, the first HiD conference brought together community groups, individuals, policy-makers, health practitioners and academics. This group shared a small but growing awareness of the diversity of health concerns faced by LGBTIQ+ people. By 2007, at the seventh HiD conference, a national organisation with a broad focus on LGBTIQ+ health was recommended. 

Launching LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (Formerly The National LGBTI Health Alliance)

We launched at Australia’s Parliament House in August 2007. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia was originally founded as "The National LGBTI Health Alliance" by a group of community-based organisations with a HIV/AIDS focus. In 2020 based on consultation with members and staff, the Board confirmed the new name to reflect LGBTIQ+ This was to ensure our name represented the communities that we and our members work with. Our new name was launched at the beginning of 2021.

Our founding members have played key roles in LGBTIQ+ health in their respective states and across Australia. In particular, leading the community aspect of Australia’s successful response to HIV/AIDS. They saw the need for a national organisation that worked across LGBTIQ+ health issues, rather than focusing on HIV.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia today

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia is now a not-for-profit public company, governed by a constitution and a Board of Governance.

Since July 2009 we have opened membership to other non-government organisations (NGOs), not-for-profit and corporate supporters, and individuals. 

Founding members