The Australian Medical Association has marked this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) by urging governments to turn commitments into action and by calling on the broader health system to stand firm against discrimination.
Speaking on 17 May, AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the date offered a moment to reflect on the progress made in LGBTQIASB+ healthcare, while also acknowledging that barriers and biases remain.
“Every year on 17 May people around the world mark IDAHOBIT in recognition of the struggles faced by members of the LGBTQIASB+ community to ensure their right to live free of discrimination in all its forms,” Dr McMullen said.
The AMA’s support, she noted, is not limited to symbolic recognition. It includes advocacy, policy reform, and the push for culturally safe care across the system.
“Accessible, inclusive and safe healthcare is a right, and that’s why we welcomed the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people last December as an important step towards improving the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIASB+ community. Today we remind governments of the importance of putting that plan into action.”
The AMA’s own position statement on LGBTQIASB+ health, released last year, outlines the need for culturally safe and respectful treatment for patients and practitioners alike.
Dr McMullen emphasised the role of individual health workers in changing clinical environments. “Culturally safe healthcare is something that we can all create. For example, we encourage medical practitioners to actively foster LGBTQIASB+-inclusive environments by using patient-directed names and pronouns, and supporting patients’ rights and perspectives in a culturally safe practice.”
She also pointed to the need for workplaces themselves to be safe and welcoming, saying “we strongly advocate for the Australian health care system to be a safe place for all LGBTQIASB+ health workers as well as people seeking care.”
Dr McMullen said the AMA’s participation in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this year was a proud moment for the association.
“I was truly honoured to lead the AMA’s first ever float… it allowed me to publicly show our commitment to our LGBTQIASB+ members and colleagues. On IDAHOBIT, and every day, I recommit to supporting the rights and wellbeing of all LGBTQIASB+ people.”
The AMA’s public statement reaffirms its broader mission to ensure that the right to dignity, care and inclusion is not conditional—but foundational—to healthcare.
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