What kind of a new year’s resolution is that you ask?? According to both WA based and national research on the health of lesbian and bisexual women, it’s a resolution that not enough of us fulfil!

In their research into the health and wellbeing of lesbian and bisexual women in WA, the WA Centre for Health Promotion research found that 41.5% of participants had NEVER been tested for an STI!! And 26.2% hadn’t been tested in the last two years. That means that 67.7% of WA lesbian and bisexual women have not had adequate STI checks. And to top it off the majority of participants didn’t use dental dams, gloves or condoms with their sexual partners!!

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These may be worrying figures, but I know many of us are thinking “but there’s barely any risk!” But STIs aren’t all we should be getting sexual health checks for. Lesbians need pap smears too!! And sexual health includes sexual satisfaction, knowledge and education about our bodies, and how to maintain our sexual health, as well as our emotional and mental wellbeing in regards to our sexuality and sexual relationships. This means that as well as seeing a sexual health clinic or general practitioner about our sexual health needs, we may also find the need to speak to a counsellor or psychologist about our emotional wellbeing or relationships.

This is easier said than done for many of us because we know that it can be difficult or challenging to speak honestly with a doctor or counsellor about sexuality and sexual relationships – particularly when we are lesbian, bisexual or fluid in our sexual identities. That’s why Gay & Lesbian Community Services, the Freedom Centre and the WA AIDS Council have a list of LGBTIQ-friendly doctors, counsellors and other related services that will make it easier to find a place where you can get your sexual health needs met in a respectful and professional manner.

Some useful contacts for maintaining your sexual health:

• Gay & Lesbian Counselling Services – Telephone peer counselling, info, referrals to LGBT-friendly services, Women on Women course (coming soon so register now!). Counselling line: 9420 7201. Country counselling line: 1800 184 527.
• Freedom Centre – Peer support for under 26s, info, referrals to LGBT-friendly services.
• WA AIDS Council – LGBT counselling, info, referrals to other LGBT-friendly services, manage Freedom Centre, supply Clit Kits. Ph: 9482 0000.
• FPWA Sexual Health Services – Sexual health Clinic, info, helpline. Sexual Health Helpline: 9227 6178 / 1800 198 205. Admin: 9227 6177

Stay tuned for next month’s Women’s Sexual Health Article with facts about the clitoris and our bodies!

Dani Wright, Freedom Centre Coordinator and GLCS Board Member