The research lead by Luke R. Allen builds upon earlier work he completed, but this time examined a much larger cohort.

“Changes in Suicidality Among Transgender Adolescents Following Hormone Therapy: An Extended Study,” was published in The Journal of Pediatrics.

An earlier 2019 study looked at 47 participants, but the latest work expanded the research to a cohort of 432 patients, offering one of the largest clinical analyses to date examining changes in suicidality among transgender adolescents after initiating hormone therapy.

The researchers noted that most patients did not report suicidality to begin with, with many of the subjects doing well in school, relationships, and everyday life. Among those who did report previous suicidality at the beginning of the study, the rate of endorsement dropped by nearly two-thirds (65.2%) at follow-up. Patients endorsing recent suicide attempts dropped by 84.6%.

Allen has said that this extended study contributes to a growing body of evidence that gender-affirming hormone therapy can play an important role in improving mental health and well-being among transgender youth.

Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

The post New research shows trans adolescents on hormone treatment have less suicide ideation appeared first on OUTinPerth.

It’s a bi-annual survey which gages people’s sexual behaviour and drug taking and sexual health practices.

If this is you, please consider completing the survey or sharing with your networks. The survey can be completed online.

If you would prefer a paper version of the survey, come see the WAAC at our stall on Club Day in Supreme Court Gardens on Saturday 22nd November or at Fair Day on Sunday. You can fill it out on the spot and enter the $500 prize draw!

The survey is completely anonymous, with no questions that ask for any identifying information that could be linked to you.

About the GBQ+

The project runs across seven states and territories, and in WA, has been conducted every two years since 1998 by WAAC. The project forms an important part of Australia’s HIV monitoring system, looking at things like sexual practices, drug use, and HIV/STI testing trends. The surveys were formerly known as the Gay Community Periodic Surveys (from 1996 to 2023), but the name was updated in 2024 to better represent the gender and sexuality diversity of the people who take part and the communities it serves.

The most recent findings, drawn from the 2023 survey, have already been used to inform key state policies affecting GBQ+ people. The data is a powerful advocacy tool in helping ensure community voices shape policy decisions, guide health promotion programs, strengthen education efforts, and improve clinical care. The 2023 report offers a snapshot of how sexual health, HIV prevention, and community behaviours are changing in Western Australia, and highlights a few areas where extra attention is needed:

Mpox awareness is still low. Less than a third of people surveyed said they’d heard a lot about mpox, even though there was an outbreak in 2022 and new cases have been reported recently. Staying informed and keeping up to date with vaccination remains important. WAAC and WA Health both have reliable information if you need it.

Where people meet partners is shifting. Apps and online platforms are still the most common ways GBQ+ people meet, but more respondents are also reporting meeting partners at saunas, beats and dance parties. This means health promotion and sexual health messages need to reach people in a variety of settings, not just online.

Poppers use is increasing and many feel judged. Use of amyl nitrite (poppers) has risen, but many people say they feel uncomfortable talking to health professionals about drug use because of fear of judgment. This shows the ongoing need for safe, non-judgmental health services where community members can openly discuss their experiences.

For more information about the GBQ+ including reports and publications please visit: https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/csrh/our-projects/gbq-community-periodic-surveys Contact hello@waac.com.au if you have any further questions.

The post Gay, bisexual, queer men and non-binary people – it’s time for the periodic survey! appeared first on OUTinPerth.

We’re coming to you this Pride Fairday in Perth, including our BreastScreen WA mobile clinic on Sunday 23 November from 10am to 4pm.

Our Screening Saves Lives marquee is designed for the LGBTIQA+ community to find out information and ask sensitive health questions related to the four cancer screening and prevention programs in a safe environment.

We encourage those visiting the Pride Fair to chat with our friendly team about vital screening programs that could save your life.

Breast screening

For the first time our BreastScreen WA mobile clinic will be at Pride Fairday offering mammograms for eligible community members with no symptoms. Eligible participants can phone 13 20 50 to make an appointment to have a screening mammogram at the event.

With the risk of breast cancer increasing with age, it is important to have mammogam every two years.

More than 75% of breast cancer is found in women aged over 50. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the health outcome.

Eligibility for breast screening

• Aged 50 to 74 years
• Have breasts or chest tissue
• Have been taking gender affirming hormones for 5 years or more (trans women only)

Cervical screening

The WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program aims to prevent cervical cancer with regular screening.

The latest development gives you more choice. Your doctor can do the test for you, or you can choose to do the test yourself with a self-swab. Both choices are safe, accurate and effective.

Through regular screening every five years, human papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal cell changes caused by HPV can be found early. These changes can then be monitored and treated if needed to prevent cervical cancer.

Sexual Health Quarters, in partnership with ACON, will be providing free self-swab tests at Pride Fairday. Book your free appointment here: https://shq.au/pfd

Eligibility for cervical screening

• Aged 25 to 74 years
• Have a cervix
• Ever had sexual contact

Bowel screening

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program team will be in the Screening Saves Lives marquee to answer questions. You can request a free bowel test kit at the National Cancer Screening Register website.

If you’ve lost your kit, you can reorder one. Once you receive a replacement, place it next to the toilet. If detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in more than 90% of cases. The screening test is easy to do and can be completed in the comfort of your own home.

Eligibility for bowel screening

• Aged 45 to 74 years
• Have a bowel

Lung screening

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a new addition to the Screening Saves Lives Campaign. Launched in July 2025, the program consists of a free and quick scan that detects lung cancer early, before symptoms start. When found early, more than 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.

Eligibility for lung screening

• Aged 50 to 70 years
• Currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years
• Smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 30 years. Find out more.

We hope to see you at the Screening Saves Lives marquee at the Pride Fairday at the Supreme Court Gardens, Sunday 23 November from 10am – 7pm (stalls open 10am to 4pm).

The post Screening Saves Lives: Screening with Pride at Fairday appeared first on OUTinPerth.

This article contains discussions about suicide. Support information can be found at the base of the article.

This week the Australian Bureau of Statistics released the latest Causes of Death data showing 3,307 Australians died by suicide in 2024 — 2,529 of these were men.

Suicide Prevention Australia has highlighted that corresponds to seven men every day who die by suicide; enough men to field more than a hundred AFL teams, over 100 classrooms, 12+ full passenger planes, and 2,529 empty seats around dinner tables every night.

Overall men account for 75% of all suicides in Australia, and it is clear that particular cohorts are most at risk, and unique responses are needed for each of their groups. While all men are at heightened risk, particular groups — like trades and technician workers, those aged 40-44, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, remote and very remote residents — are more vulnerable than most.

While males continue to account for just over three quarters of suicide deaths, concerningly the data also revealed females aged between 25-29 years had the highest age-specific suicide rate and the largest increase in their age-specific suicide rate from 2023 among females. Suicide deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also increased by 8.1% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia, Nieves Murray said these figures are devastating and stubbornly high.

“We must do more, and suicide prevention must be made a whole-of-government and whole-of-community priority. 

“In addition to the lives lost, over 55,000 people attempt suicide every year. That’s 150 people every day, one person every 10 minutes. This cannot be ignored. We need more action now.

“We all have a role to play in preventing suicide. Governments can lead by embedding prevention across all areas of decision making; employers can prioritise mentally healthy workplaces and train frontline managers; as individuals we can get educated about suicide prevention and support one another.

“The Federal Government released Australia’s first National Suicide Prevention Strategy nine months ago. However, there has so far been no additional funding to support its implementation.

“All the pieces are in place for government to act. Suicide rates are not easing. Investing in and implementing this Strategy must be treated as a national priority,” Murray said.

Suicide continues to impact men disproportionately. Men aged 45-49 accounted for 10.5% of all male suicides, the highest proportion among men, while those living in remote and very remote areas had suicide rates more than double those in major cities — the highest recorded in the past five years.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, suicide remains the second leading cause of death. In 2023-2024, technicians and trades workers were the most common occupation group among males who died by suicide, representing 27.6% of male suicides.

“Men, particularly those in regional areas and high-risk occupations, continue to be disproportionately impacted by suicide. It’s encouraging to see the government recognise this through the Special Envoy for Men’s Health. Now we have a real opportunity to build on that commitment with targeted, coordinated action,” Nieves Murray said.

For the first time, the ABS Causes of Death data identified occupations most at risk of suicide. People working in trades and technical roles face high number of suicides, reinforcing the importance of industry-based prevention models like those developed in the mining and construction sectors.

Alarmingly, 164 female health professionals died by suicide across 2023-2024, highlighting the pressures facing the health workforce and the need to extend tailored workplace-based support to other sectors.

More funding needed for support services as demand grows

Research has also shown that more Australians are accessing suicide prevention services, but more support is needed for these vital interventions.

“Demand for suicide prevention services is rising, yet many are already stretched to breaking point. The government must respond proportionately to this increase in need,” Murray said.

“The people working to prevent suicide are saving lives every day — but this workforce is under enormous strain due to short-term funding and a lack of stability. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy is designed to fix this by building a sustainable, coordinated system so Australians can get help when and where they need it.

“The Strategy includes practical, immediate actions the government can take — requiring leadership rather than large budgets. Things like supporting families and carers to recognise suicidal distress, making support more available and affordable for people with chronic suicidal thoughts, and ensuring people in crisis are getting timely help from community and hospital services.

“Suicide is not just a health or mental health issue — it is a social and economic issue. The top risk factors in suicide deaths included not just mood and anxiety disorders, but also relationship problems, drug and alcohol use, and legal difficulties.

“To reduce suicide rates, Australia needs a whole-of-government response involving health, housing, education, justice, employment and more. The National Strategy outlines targeted, evidence-based actions to address the social and economic determinants of suicide. Now we need to see leadership and investment to make it real.

“It’s encouraging to see more comprehensive data now available on suicide. This additional clarity provides a stronger foundation for understanding the factors that contribute to suicide and for shaping future prevention efforts. We’ve long advocated for more regular and detailed reporting, so this is an important step forward — particularly the inclusion of occupation data, which will help guide targeted strategies and interventions.

“Australians need support that meets them where they are — but most of all, they need action. The government has put pen to paper. Now it’s time to act,” Murray said.

Suicide Prevention Australia said they remain committed to advocating for lifesaving changes and will continue to work with its member organisations to reduce suicide rates in Australia. 

“It’s important to remember that there is hope, and there is help available. Check in on those around you and if you’re experiencing distress, please reach out for support,” Murray noted.

Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

Correction: An earlier version of this report included a quote from CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia, Nieves Murray that contained inaccurate information. This has been removed.

The post More action urged on suicide prevention appeared first on OUTinPerth.

InterLink provides specialised support to people of all ages with innate variations of sex characteristics (IVSCs, also known as intersex variations or differences of sex development), as well as parents and carers of young people with IVSCs. 

The service is free of charge and accessible to individuals located anywhere in Australia or Aotearoa/New Zealand. The InterLink model combines individual counselling, group programs and peer navigation.

Bonnie Hart, Manager and designer of InterLink said the accreditation was a significant milestone.  

“Accreditation under the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards is a significant milestone in the work InterLink is doing to ensure that people with IVSCs and their families are able to access psychosocial support that is community-led, bridges gaps between services and genuinely understand their needs.” Hart said.

“This achievement reflects InterAction’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, accessible, and trauma-informed psychosocial support.”

Mira Bouchmouny, Operations Coordinator of InterAction for Health and Human Rights, who managed key aspects of the accreditation process said the accreditation showed a commitment to service quality.

“The National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards accreditation process and achievement reflects InterAction and InterLink’s commitment to our service users and community. This framework allows us to work towards continuous learning and improvement of our services in line with standards focused on partnering with service users to deliver safe, effective, and population-specific care. A huge achievement for our organisation with limited staff and resources, so incredibly proud and thankful to all involved.” Bouchmouny said.

Dr Morgan Carpenter, Executive Director of InterAction for Health and Human Rights said the service was addressing long standing gaps.

“The establishment of InterLink addressed long-standing gaps in service delivery and unmet demand for mental health support by people with innate variations of sex characteristics and family members. These gaps were identified in a 2013 Senate committee report, a 2021 Australian Human Rights Commission report, and multiple State and Territory health strategies and inquiries.

“We sought accreditation in recognition that delivery of these services can and should be safe and high quality. The award of this accreditation is a powerful acknowledgement of the InterLink and operations teams’ excellence in service design and delivery. As small teams in a small organisation, I am immensely proud of their passion, commitment and delivery.” Dr Carpenter said.

All services are delivered online by counsellors with population-specific training and peers with lived experience, ensuring culturally safe and trauma-informed care. Counselling is confidential, and anonymous registration is available via phone.

InterLink is currently open Wednesday to Friday, with counselling provided as soon as possible after registration. While not a crisis service, InterLink offers timely support tailored to the needs of people with IVSCs and their families.

InterLink also provides a range of online informational resources and printed brochures to support community awareness and education on the website https://www.ilink.net.au/ 

The post InterLink achieves accreditation against national standards appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Mathéo chose to find a doctor he could trust and did a self-collect test at the clinic, as he recognised the importance of cervical screening.

If you have a cervix and have ever had any sexual contact, you should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years from age 25 to 74. That includes trans and gender diverse people.

“Screening with someone who understands my experience makes it easier to take care of my health,” says Mathéo. “I feel much better about self-collection, because I’m in control of my own experience.”

“The idea of cervical screening can make many people feel uncomfortable and vulnerable,” says WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program Manager, Nerida Steel. “This can be compounded for trans and gender diverse people, who face additional barriers due to things like gender dysphoria and discrimination.

“Having control over the process by choosing self-collection can make people feel more comfortable and help alleviate anxiety.”

The self-collection option is safe and just as accurate at detecting the human papillomavirus (HPV) – a common infection and the cause of almost all cervical cancer – as the healthcare-provider collected test. Your GP can provide you with the self-collect swab and instructions on how to do the test.

And just a heads up: being on testosterone doesn’t lower your risk of developing cervical cancer, so don’t skip getting screened.

“It’s your health,” says Mathéo. “It matters.”

This November, there will be two opportunities to learn more about cervical screening at PrideFEST Fairday. The WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program will be at the Screening Saves Lives stand. ACON will be running a pop-up cervical screening clinic in partnership with SHQ. Eligible attendees will be able to perform the self-swab test on the day!

The Own It campaign is funded by the Australian Government and delivered with partner organisations, including ACON. The campaign encourages Australia’s most under-screened communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, to take charge of their health and say yes to cervical screening on their terms.

You can also find community-specific cervical screening information at: www.ownit.org.au/lgbtq

The post Is cervical screening important for trans and gender diverse people? appeared first on OUTinPerth.

From humble beginnings 22 years ago, Movember has grown into a global movement that has changed the face of men’s health.

Warning: This story includes reference to suicide.

In 2025, the charity is once again rallying Australians, including local Mo Bros and Sisters in Perth to unite, grow and take action for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer – with a renewed focus on supporting men in regional and remote communities who are facing the greatest risk.

In Western Australia, the need to support these causes remains vital. Intentional self-harm (suicide) remains the highest underlying cause of death in males from 15-44 years old, with more than 170 men losing their lives to suicide in 2023.*

Movember has sparked billions of conversations, raised in excess of AUD $1.7 billion and funded more than 1,300 men’s health projects across the world.

Its impact has been transformative — from groundbreaking biomedical research to building some of the world’s largest prostate cancer registries, and pioneering mental health programs that reach men where they are – in workplaces, sporting clubs, and rural towns across Australia.

And in 2023, the Movember Institute of Men’s Health was launched, backed by an AUD $100 million global investment – uniting experts, communities and partners to accelerate research and translate it into real-world solutions.

But the team being MOvember say the job’s far from done, noting vital statistics including that men died on average four years earlier than women, 75% of suicides are men – and it remains the leading cause of death for young men between the ages of 15 and 54.

Additionally one in five men will be diagnosed with prostrate cancer during their lifetime and testicular cancer remains the most common cancer for men aged between 15 and 34.

“Men’s health still isn’t enough of a priority,” says Movember Co-Founder Travis Garone. “Our healthcare systems often don’t meet men where they are especially in rural and remote areas — and too many fall through the cracks. The moustache is our rallying cry — it gets people talking, laughing, and most importantly, acting. Every Mo grown and every conversation sparked can save a life.”

Athlete and well-known mental health advocate, Harry Garside, is also encouraging locals to join the Movember cause.

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of Australia, visiting cities and meeting with locals in suburban, regional and rural towns, like Perth, so I understand the need for men’s health support nationally, so we encourage Aussies to get behind the cause and grow a mo, or move host or come up with your own challenge to raise much needed funds.” Garside said.

There are lots of ways to get involved in MOvember

●      GROW: Become one with the moustache. Grow a Mo, raise funds, and save lives.

●      MOVE: Run or walk 60km for the 60 men lost to suicide every hour, globally.

●      HOST: Gather your mates. Host a Mo-ment to raise funds and awareness.

●      MO YOUR OWN WAY: Take on any challenge your way — whether it’s climbing a mountain, shaving your head, or creating your own unique Mo mission.

Perth locals are encouraged to sign up, donate, or learn more at Movember.com or via the Movember app.

^{*ABS, Revisions to Causes of Death, 2021-2023 data tables}

Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

The post Are you ready to Movember? appeared first on OUTinPerth.

TreasureCon 2025 will host more than 140 vendors bringing together your favourite collectible cards, figures, toys, pop culture merchandise and more.

The convention will also feature live stage hosts, cosplay showcases, trading card game competitions, prize giveaways and special guest appearances.

Early entry VIPs will gain first access to the show floor from 9am, with exclusive perks and limited-edition merchandise.

Whether your passion is Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon cards, Dungeons & Dragons or Labubu, TreasureCon has something for everyone.

TreasureCon is coming to PCEC on 22 and 23 November 2025. For more, head to pcec.com.au

The post Collectables expo TreasureCon is coming to Perth this November appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Over a three course meal Marc Fennell guides participants through a discussion focusing on topics ranging from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, menopause and ageing.

Across, the series the guests are athletes, drag queens, artists, doctors and everyday, yet extraordinary, people, with little in common except the one health condition that binds them.

The dinner party becomes a space for empathy, disagreement, laughter and catharsis – where brain fog, body image, libido and late-age diagnosis are discussed as easily as wine is poured.

In the third episode of the series the topic of ageing is tackled. Sitting at the table is artist Lindy Lee, sexologist Dr Linda Kirkman, dementia advocate Gwenda Darling, and drag performer Stan Munro and Geriatrician Dr John Ward – who was New South Wales Senior of the Year in 2024.

During the conversation Lee notes that while the Baby Boomer generation have had a tendency to focus on materialism growing up in the post-war period they’re also the first generation to tackle many social issues.

“Baby Boomers were born from parents who had experienced war, deprivation, so the moment any sense of prosperity came on, of course people are going to buy houses because it was affordable, so that’s kind of a natural thing.” Lee says during the dinner conversation. “But we also had to contend with misogyny, racism, homophobia, so my generation I think have fought hard for inclusiveness.”

Eighty-four year old drag performer Stan Munro shares his frustration about how call centre operators speak to older people, as well as lamenting his lack of sex life.

“I haven’t been laid for about fifteen years,” he says, “It’s shocking.” Leading to some of the other attendees to suggest that all the action is happening in care homes.

Stan says that on the gay scene, ageism has always been a big factor, and it only gets worse the older you get, which kicks off a discussion about the differences between relationships, intimacy and pleasure.

As Australia’s population ages, people live longer and work longer attitudes to ageing and how to live your life are rapidly changing. While people used to retire in their sixties, now many people continue to work, and Dame Stan has no plans to stop performing. He currently delivers a show called Vintage Drag in Mint Condition.

Heartbreakingly, Stan also shares his fear of getting older and having to go in to care, where he fears he may encounter homophobia.

Across the series many interesting and prominent Australians appear including true crime podcasters, advertising experts, prison reform advocates, mental health experts and reality TV show champions. Plus there’s food writers, Olympians, influencers, famous authors, doctors, fashion designers and journalists.

The four-part series will be available to stream on SBS On Demand from Tuesday, 14 October, and air weekly on SBS, Tuesdays at 8.30pm.

The post New Marc Fennell SBS series tackles the big topics appeared first on OUTinPerth.

PICNIC Festival promises “big energy, bigger flavours and a whole lot of booze-soaked good times.”

The festivities bring together some of the state’s best vendors for a celebration of food, beverages, music and entertainment.

Each ‘party pod’ throughout the venue will bring a different vibe, whether that’s the Neon Disco, Honky-Tonk Hideout or Riff City – feel free to dress to the theme and go all out!

PICNIC is inspired by pub-hopping, encouraging revelers to explore the massive space and change up the mood without leaving the venue.

Running across three sessions – Friday night, Saturday arvo and Saturday night– festivalgoers can expect the unexpected.

PICNIC Festival will be held on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November. For more, head to picnicfestival.com.au

The post PICNIC Festival: Perth’s newest party coming to South Perth foreshore appeared first on OUTinPerth.