This publication is an initiative of the Health Promotion Program at TasCAHRD, the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases.
TasCAHRD receives funding from the Crown through the Department of Health to provide these services.
Photos in this magazine are courtesy of Unsplash Photographers.
WARNING: Views expressed in Red Thread are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD.
Would you like to see your business or service advertised in this magazine? Contact TasCAHRD for more information – editor@redthread.org.au
Contributors:
By Annie
Embracing change
I want to tell you a story about transformation…
Nesha and Simon have been together for 33 years. Both have had extremes in life, and I’m surprised they’re here to tell me their story. They cheekily bounce into the office with big friendly smiles. As I sit here, listening to their tale, with the sun streaming into our small loungeroom at TasCAHRD, across from me I see two strong people, who are loving, and determined to have the best in life.
It was not like this when I first met them a couple of years ago.
They had chosen to live off grid, and whilst the climate is often inhospitable, the photos they show me of their bits-and-pieces home is coming together with colour and comfort and warmth…except for the occasional snake.
Nesha tells me she was an activist - as a proud gay Indigenous man - in Tassie, in the 80s.
I admit my initial confusion as a straight older white woman.
So, I pose the question…. “Nesha what pronouns would you like me to use?”
“I’m just me! I have never felt so me!”
But that’s a story for later.
Nesha worked as a volunteer at the AIDS Council in North Hobart in the early 80s. She started a youth group called Tasmanian Young Gay Association (TYGA) to support young gay people in Hobart. Incidentally, I also worked closely with an AIDS council in the early 80’s in the Northern Territory, with no clue homosexuality was a criminal offence in Tasmania at that time. Our Gay community in Alice Springs celebrated diversity with a “no shame mantra”.
During our discussions, Nesha showed me a video of a determined group of town Councillors and Church goers in Ulverstone, attempting to ‘rid the island of these people”. There she is, outspoken and fearless! I watch the video with tears and realise how absurd and cringy this crackly video is. The link to the video is below.
Simon and Nesha met at the ages of 23 years, and not long after were diagnosed with HIV. This was in the early 90’s and Simon explains to me his feelings at the time. “I thought I’m going to be dead anyway soon, so I may as well start drinking to numb the pain.” They both didn’t stop there. Whatever was available, they used it - alcohol, speed, heroin and marijuana.
Back then, HIV treatment was limited to AZT, and it was the only available treatment at the time. It was an unpleasant drug to take and caused extreme side effects. People became very unwell.
So, from 1992 to 1999 they both made the decision not to take AZT.
After a near fatal car accident, Nesha decided her partner needed help, and Simon was admitted into a psychiatric hospital for several months with heavy sedation. Simon is virtually unable to remember this time and can only recall a couple of visits by Nesha, who visited daily. The diagnosis was paranoid schizophrenia – a common diagnosis with overuse of Marijuana.
Nesha soon became exhausted running in and out of the psychiatric hospital. She was on her own, dealing with serious family issues and was drowning with the thought of losing Simon.
Both were spiralling and had no idea of the transformation heading their way.
Part two next edition.
Video link
The Aurora project
The most recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2022-23) shows that rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use amongst lesbian, gay & bisexual (LGB) people continue to be significantly higher than the general population.
In the 12 months prior to the survey, LGB people were 1.2 times as likely as their heterosexual peers to drink alcohol at risky levels, 2 times as likely to smoke tobacco, and 2.4 times as likely to use any illicit drug.
including everything from information to physical spaces.
Even though LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians are recognised as a priority group in the Tasmanian Government’s Alcohol Tobacco & Other Drugs strategy, there are still no funded activities or services that specifically focus on our community’s needs.
Working It Out is currently working to change this.
Some illicit drugs show even larger differences, with LGB people being 3.4 times as likely to use ecstasy, 6.6 times as likely to use meth/ amphetamine, and 8.6 times as likely to use inhalants.
Similarly, trans and gender diverse people were 1.6 times as likely to have used any illicit drug, compared to their cisgender peers.
However, this data represents the whole of Australia and to date, no dedicated research has explored AOD use just amongst LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians.
To help fill this gap, Working It Out (WIO) ran a community survey in 2024 to learn more about AOD use in Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ communities. 80% of the people who took the survey said they used alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs, and over half said they’re concerned about alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drug use in the LGBTIQA+ community. These concerns were linked to the normalisation of use, the intersections of mental health and queer marginalisation, and a lack of dedicated queer resources –
Over the past year, we’ve invited LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians to take part in activities which explore experiences of alcohol and other drugs across different genders and sexualities. By drawing on the strength, solidarity, and resilience of LGBTIQA+ communities, these co-design processes uncovered what kinds of information, approaches, and messages would actually make a difference.
We’re now using these insights to shape a social media campaign, and we’d love your help! Scan the QR code to sign up for updates and get invited to share your feedback on campaign materials as the project progresses.
By Emily
We are family: Internal family systems
I’m an Internal Family Systems therapist, and that means I see each person as being made up of ‘parts’.
For example, maybe you have an inner critic (most of us do) – that’s the part of you who holds you to very high standards and gives you a hard time when you’re not managing to be perfect 24/7. But the inner critic gets exhausting, so maybe there’s also a part that wants to tap out by doomscrolling for hours and eating a whole tub of ice-cream.
Our parts react to one another just like members of a family – hence the name Internal Family Systems (IFS): a therapy developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz. Some parts of us don’t like other parts, and you have to live with the resulting inner tension, shame and frustration. Parts can hold pain, but also have gifts and insights to share. In IFS, we spend time getting to know your parts, their backstories and learned behaviours.
There are two very important things to remember, though:
1. Parts are always *trying* to help.
Usually, a part is carrying out a coping strategy, either to protect you from having to feel pain in the first place, or to try and help you feel better once the pain has begun. For example, the inner critic part probably believes that you need to achieve certain things in order to be safe or loved. The one that likes to tap out is also trying to give you relief and help you to feel better. Even the most extreme parts of us have a strategy and reason for why they behave like that.
2. There is a part of you that is NOT a part, called Self energy.
This is our true, unrestricted nature, and we all have access to it, but we lose sight of it when we are blended with our parts. Self energy is compassionate, curious, creative, confident, calm, courageous, connective, and clear. Our parts can unburden and heal when we connect to them with Self energy. An IFS therapist is always aiming to be in Self energy, and help you find your own.
If you’re LGBTQIA+, you don’t have a ‘part’ of you that is queer – that’s innate to your whole system, indivisible from who you are! But you may have parts that carry particular memories, beliefs, or burdens about what it’s like to be you in the world. Growing into queer adults, we have had to navigate and adapt to unique challenges. When I learned about IFS, it seemed to click with how I saw the world: that everyone deserves compassion; there are reasons why we act the way we do; and it’s possible to reach back through time to connect and care for the younger parts of ourselves who didn’t have that support when we needed it. Learning how to relate to yourself compassionately can help you grow and heal, which is something we all deserve.
By Lizzie
Challenging gender norms in care
Raising kids is a tough job and takes a village of family, friends, and community services. With this in mind, it’s important to consistently reflect on how these services can celebrate and empower all families, including LGBTQIA+ families.
Child and Family Health Nursing services provide child health checks and parenting and wellbeing support to families with children aged under 5. In Tasmania, this is done by the Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS).
Child and Family Health Nursing began in the early 1900s, with only caring female parents (mothers) raising babies at the time1,2 “Mothercraft” was taught to female parents and there was huge stigma for anyone breaking gender norms (including single mothers)2 . Whilst this model worked to reduce the infant death rate1 , it was not a safe space for diverse families. This bias toward femaleonly care has been slow to shift. An example of this shift for CHaPS is the change from hosting “Mothers Groups” to “New Parent Groups” to support inclusive and welcome spaces for all families.
There is often an assumption from health services that the default parent is always female – for example, referring only to “women” and “mothers”3 which excludes non-binary persons or trans men who also birth babies. This shift in language is just one example of how maternity and child health care systems can include families that do not conform to traditional gender norms. All families have a right to health care that makes them feel seen and valued.
CHaPS has been working hard to make sure we can provide this care. We want to celebrate LGBTIQA+ parents and caregivers and provide nursing care that empowers all families. We have worked hard to make our service safe by:
• Training all our staff LGBTQIA+ inclusive care.
• Making sure information we give to families is gender affirming.
• Removing all gender criteria for using any part of our service.
• Making sure families can give feedback easily and using this feedback to make our service better.
We have started our journey to celebrating LGBTIQA+ families and staff by:
• Starting our own LGBTIQA+ staff resource group.
• Making sure posters in our clinics show diversity with rainbow signs in all clinics.
• Partnering with community groups that support LGBTQIA+ parents.
• Being involved in LGBTQIA+ events and days.
CHaPS is proud to be facing up to the stigma we know has been part of our past. We are working to provide safe and empowering care to all LGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers, and we invite all Tasmanian parents and caregivers to share their ideas and feedback.
For CHaPS bookings: 1300 064 544
For more information:
To provide feedback to CHaPS:
References:
1: 100 years of maternal and child health nursing, 1917-2017
2: Bennett E et al. The nursing history of Ngala since 1890: and early parenting organisation n Western Australia. Australian Journal of Child and Family Health Nursing 2019; 16(1):24-32
3: Royal Hobart Hospital Maternity Information Package
Plant pride, not pints!
Join Out in the Garden –a relaxed LGBTIQA+ garden group where you can unwind, connect, and grow community (not hangovers)
Fridays 5:30pm – 8:00pm | December – March West Moonah Community Garden
Alcohol, drug, smoke/vape free | 18+ only.
Scan the QR code for more info
Doxy-PEP for STIs
What is Doxy-PEP?
Doxy-PEP (short for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking 200mg of doxycycline within 72 hours after sex to help stop certain bacterial STIs before they take hold.
How well does it work?
Clinical studies show Doxy-PEP can reduce:
• Syphilis by up to 80%
• Chlamydia by up to 90%
• It’s less effective for gonorrhoea, as that infection is already showing more antibiotic resistance.
Who’s it for?
Right now, Doxy-PEP is mainly recommended for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) — especially if you’ve had a recent STI, or are planning a higher-risk time, like a big festival or travel period.
What to keep in mind
Doxy-PEP isn’t a “set and forget” solution. Because it’s an antibiotic, there are some things to think about:
• Anti-microbial resistan (AMR) – bacteria can adapt and become harder to treat.
• Gut health – doxycycline can affect your “good” bacteria.
• That’s why experts recommend using Doxy-PEP for short periods (around 3–6 months) and checking in with your clinician regularly.
Stay on top of testing
Even if you’re using Doxy-PEP, regular STI testing every 3 months is still key. Keep using your other prevention tools too — like condoms and PrEP.
Talk about it
Doxy-PEP can be a useful option for some, but it’s not for everyone. The best way to know if it fits your life is to chat with your doctor, sexual health clinic, or TasCAHRD.
Source: ASHM
NSP OUTLETS &
PRIMARY
Northwest
Youth, Family and Community Connection
62 Stewart Street Devonport
Anglicare 51 Wilmot Street Burnie
South
Bridgewater Community Centre
6 Bowden Drive Bridgewater
Anglicare 436 Main Road Glenorchy
Anglicare 159 Collins Street Hobart
Clarence Integrated Care Centre
18-22 Bayfield Street Rosny
North
Salvation Army
111 Elizabeth Street Launceston
SECONDARY
Northwest
Burnie Community House
24 Wiseman Street Burnie
North West Regional Hospital
23 Brickport Road Burnie
King Island District Hospital and Health Centre
35 Edwards Street Currie
Devonport Community Health Centre
23 Steele Street Devonport
Rosebery Community Hospital Hospital Road Rosebery
Smithton District Hospital
74 Brittons Road Smithton
Wyndarra Centre Inc.
43 Smith Street Smithton
West Coast District Hospital
60-64 Orr Street Queenstown
South
The Link Youth Health Service
57 Liverpool Street Hobart
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
56 Patrick Street Hobart
Geeveston Community Centre
9b School Road Geeveston
Gagebrook Community Centre
191 Lamprill Circuit Gagebrook
Tasmanian Council on Aids, Hepatitis and Related Diseases 319 Liverpool Street Hobart
Bridge Treatment and Recovery Services
63-83 Creek Road New Town
North
Cape Barren Community Health Centre
5 Everett Court Cape Barren Island
Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre
James Street Flinders Island
Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc 16 West Street Lady Barron
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre 182 Charles Street Launceston
Ravenswood Community Health Centre
39-41 Lambert Street Ravenswood
St Helens District Hospital 10 Annie Street St Helens
VENDING MACHINES
South
Anglicare Hobart NSP 159 Collins Street, Hobart
Northwest 40-48 Best Street, Devonport –Ground level, Multi-level carpark
North
Salvation Army 111 Elizabeth Street Launceston
Youngtown Pharmacy
369 Hobart Road Youngtown
These NSP locations have been reproduced from the Department of Health webpage.
Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl
Fentanyl Test Strips are FREE and allow you to be more about informed the drugs you use
Anglicare Hobart NSP 159 Collins Street Open 12:30pm – 5pm weekdays
Anglicare Glenorchy NSP 436 Main Rd Open 10am-4:30pm weekdays
Speak to your friendly NSP staff to find out more.
NSP PHARMACIES
NORTH WEST
Healthpoint Pharmacy Burnie
Pharmacy 4 Less Burnie
Upper Burnie Alliance Pharmacy
King Island Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart – Valley Road
Mersey Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart Latrobe
Advantage Pharmacy Penguin
Railton Pharmacy
Turnbull's Pharmacy
Guardian Pharmacy Smithton
Somerset Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Ulverstone
Peter Thompson's Pharmacy
Westside Pharmacy
Dixon's Pharmacy
Healthpoint Pharmacy
Yolla Community Pharmacy
Zeehan Pharmacy
NORTHWEST
Tamar Pharmacy
Bicheno Pharmacy
Bridport Pharmacy
Deloraine Amcal Pharmacy
Deloraine Guardian Pharmacy
Your Pharmacy
George Town Pharmacy
Epic Pharmacy Kings Meadows
Priceline Pharmacy Launceston
Terry White Chemmart Health Hub
Hatton and Laws Pharmacy Launceston
Terry White Chemmart Launceston
Longford Discount Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart
Terry White Chemmart Newstead
Perth Pharmacy
Ravenswood Discount Pharmacy
Riverside Pharmacy
Galloway's Pharmacy
St Helens Pharmacy
St Marys Pharmacy
Westbury Pharmacy
Youngtown Pharmacy
SOUTH
Bellerive Quay Pharmacy
Rhys Jones Pharmacy
Central Highlands Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Bridgewater
Brighton Pharmacy
Chigwell Pharmacy
Claremont Discount Pharmacy
Derwent Park Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart Dodges Ferry
Geeveston Pharmacy
Elizabeth Hope Priceline Pharmacy
Guardian Pharmacy Glenorchy Central
Priceline Pharmacy Hobart
Your Hobart Chemist
Davey Street Discount Pharmacy
Shoreline Amcal Pharmacy
Rosetta Pharmacy
Wentworth Pharmacy
Huonville Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Kingston
Chemist Outlet – Kingston
Terry White Chemist Kingston
Kingborough Medical Centre Pharmacy
Lauderdale Pharmacy
Lenah Valley Amcal Pharmacy
Lindisfarne Village Chemmart
Rosetta Pharmacy
Chemist Warehouse Moonah
New Norfolk Amcal Community Pharmacy
Guardian New Norfolk Pharmacy
Epic Pharmacy New Town
Friendly Care Advantage New Town
North Hobart Amcal Pharmacy
Tasman Pharmacy
Oatlands Pharmacy
Risdon Vale Pharmacy
Chemist Warehouse Rosny
Terry White Rosny Park
Rhys Jones Pharmacy
Magnet Court Chemmart – Terry White
Healthpoint Pharmacy Snug
Chemmart Sorell
Chemist Warehouse Sorell
Sorell Plaza Pharmacy
South Hobart Capital Chemist
Swansea Pharmacy
Triabunna Pharmacy
Warrane Pharmacy
West Hobart Amcal Pharmacy
SIGNPOST
A guide to inclusive organisations in Tasmania
Care Forward
Carers Tasmania Ltd
City Organics
Clarence City Council
Clarence Doorways
Cloddy IT
Colony 47
Convict City Rollers
CVGT Hobart
Danu Herbs
Dianne Ainslie NDIS Support Worker
Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre
Ella Haddad MP
Emily Parkinson – Registered Psychologist
Equal Opportunity Tasmania
Eye Am Hair
Family Planning Tasmania
Fiori Florist
Flourish Mental Health Action in our Hands Inc
FRIENDZ LGBTIQ SOCIAL GROUP
Glenview Community Services
Goodbyes Hobart
Hairy Legs Cafe
Halcyon South
Hall Payne Lawyers
Hamlet
Hobart Brewing Company
Hobart Cat Café
Hobart Folk Dances (Folk Federation of Tasmania)
Hobart Functions & Conference Centre
Hobart North Uniting Church
Hobart Out Tennis Inc
Holyoake
Hospice volunteers South
inside Hobart
Inspired Office
Ironic Party Planning
Joyous Celebrations
Kingston Neighbourhood House
Laid Back Manor
Lindisfarne Psychology & Wellbeing Centre
Locker Room Hobart
Mitch Robson Counselling
Moto Vecchia Cafe
Mures Tasmania
New Town Chiropractic
New Town Health
Ogilvie Jennings Lawyers
Peppermint Bay
Positive Solutions
Pulse Youth Health
QTAS Arts
Queer Sporting Alliance
Rainbow Care Clinic
Rainbow Youth Events Hobart
Raw Strength Tasmania
State Cinema
Stress Free Fast
Sush
Sush Track
Tassie Bird and Poultry Supplies
Tempo Therapy & Consulting
Terry White Chemmart Lindisfarne
Terry White Chemmart Rosny Park
The Art of Tea Bouteaque
The Circus Studio
The Grand Poobah
The Hobart Bookshop
The Huon Domestic Violence Service
The Link Youth Health Service
The Page And Cup
Theatre Royal
Thistle Witch Gardening
Transform Counselling and Psychotherapy
Youth Arts & Recreation Centre
NORTH:
Attitude Counselling
Beaconsfield Child and Family Centre
Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre
Bright Beginnings Yoga
CVGT Launceston
Deloraine House Inc
Diversity Launceston
Dorset Community House
Enterprising Aardvark Counselling and Consultancy
Florage
Gentle Death Education and Planning
Launceston Community Legal Centre
Launceston Football Club
Launceston Head to Health
Mediation Matters Tasmania
Positive Solutions
Prydes Support
Respect at Work
Reynish Counselling
Salveo Healthcare
Skittles LGBTQIA+ Youth Group
Tamar Visitor Centre
The Blue Door
The Church Campbell Town
Tresca Community Centre
NORTH-WEST:
Burnie City Council
Connect4Life
Dr Claire Jensen
East Devonport Neighbourhood House
HAEL XIII
Headspace Devonport
Secret Buddha Cafe
Serenity House
The Postmaster Inn Bed and Breakfast
Victoria Street Clinic
Wajan Hale Counselling
Warrawee Women’s Shelter
Weddings For Everyone
Youth, Family & Community Connections
TASMANIA WIDE:
Almost Heaven Clydesdales
Anglicare Tasmania
Australian Unemployed Workers Union Tasmania
Baptcare Family and Community Services Tasmania
Cancer Council Tasmania
Carers Tasmania
Community and Public Sector Union
Council on the Ageing
Daydream Photography
Engender Equality
Equal Together
Equality Tasmania
Heidi Harrison Psychotherapy
Independent Living Centre Tasmania
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service
Libraries Tasmania
Lifeline Tasmania
Love Is All – Civil Celebrant
Marry Me, Memily
Mental Health Council of Tasmania
Mission Australia – Disability Employment Services
Pride Society of UTAS
Rainbow Communities Tasmania
Rebecca White MP
Scarlet Alliance Tasmanian Sex Worker Project
Sensual Potential
Sexual Assault Support Service
St John Ambulance
Statewide Sexual Health Service
TasCAHRD
A Tasmanian Lifeline
Tasmania Police
TasPride
TasTAFE Student Support Team
Tender Funerals
Transgender Tasmania
Uniting AgeWell
UTAS Ally Network
Working It Out
Signpost is a project of Working It Out. signpost@workingitout.org.au
SERVICES DIRECTORY
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TASMANIA
https://equalopportunity.tas.gov.au
Ph 1300 305 062
The office of the anti-discrimination commissioner
SCARLET ALLIANCE TASMANIAN SEX WORKER OUTREACH PROJECT
outreachtas@scarletalliance.org.au
Ph 0451 835 897
www.scarletalliance.org.au
TASPRIDE
www.taspride.com
Celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian LGBTIQQ community
WORKING IT OUT
www.workingitout.org.au
Sexuality and gender support and counselling
SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICE
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/sexualhealth
Toll Free: 1800 675 859
Clinic 60 – 60 Collins St Hobart
Ph 03 6166 2672
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Clinic 34 – 34 Howick St Launceston
Ph 03 6777 1371
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Devonport – Ph 03 6777 1371
by appointment only
Counselling, support, referrals, STI/HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions
TASCAHRD – TASMANIAN COUNCIL ON AIDS, HEPATITIS & RELATED DISEASES
www.tascahrd.org.au
Ph 1800 005 900
TAS POLICE LGBTIQ LIAISON OFFICERS
www.police.tas.gov.au
Ph 03 6230 2111 (Hobart)
Ph 03 6336 7000 (Launceston)
Ph 03 6434 5211 (North West)
ATDC TAS – THE ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & OTHER DRUGS COUNCIL OF TASMANIA
http://www.atdc.org.au/ Advocating and initiatives
THE LINK YOUTH HEALTH SERVICE & HEAD SPACE FOR PEOPLE AGED 12-24
http://www.thelink.org.au
57 Liverpool St Hobart | Ph 03 6231 2927
Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Counselling, outreach, case management, support for mental and sexual health, alcohol and drugs (incl NSP), family planning
HOBART COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE
www.hobartlegal.org
166 Macquarie Street, Hobart | Ph 03 6223 2500
Shop 3, Covehill Fair, Bridgewater
Ph 03 6263 4755
FAMILY PLANNING TASMANIA
http://www.fpt.org.au
421 Main Rd Glenorchy
Ph 03 6273 9117 | Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5.00pm
93 Patterson St Launceston
Ph 03 6343 4566 | Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5.00pm
199 Mount Street Upper Burnie
Ph 03 6431 7692 (Tues, Wed and Thurs)
Contraception, cervical screening, gynecology, sexual health checks, planned and unplanned pregnancy.
