AASW Recording | WSWD 2023 Respecting Diversity: LGBTIQA+ communities

This World Social Work Day event addresses experiences of LGBTIQA+ Australians living in regional and rural areas. It includes practical strategies to support these individuals and help reduce risk of suicide in this community. (Content warning: suicide).

This webinar addresses experiences of LGBTIQA+ individuals living in regional and rural areas of Australia. Practical strategies to help reduce suicide rates in this community are discussed. The presentation is followed by Q&A and discussion.

Presenter

Sharon Corvinus-Jones identifies as 'gender non-conforming' and has lived and worked in rural Australia challenging transphobia and homophobia. She is well aware of the need for LGBTIQA+ inclusive organisations and communities and says: "I wish there was support for me when I felt alone, isolated and was struggling to make sense of my life. It would have made such a difference to my journey". Sharon is a change agent with a passion in suicide prevention, community development, and celebrating diversity.

In 2013 Sharon won both the ‘LGBTI Rainbow Award’ and the ‘Human Rights LGBTI Award’ for her long-term commitment to developing social and support networks and her contribution to suicide prevention.

Sharon is the Chief Executive Officer for Kentish Regional Clinic, in Sheffield, Tasmania which facilitates the following programs: Community Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES), Self-care and mental wellbeing workshops, LGBTIQA+ professional development, Bi+ Australia and the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) Kentish.

AASW Credential: Mental Health