identity

As we grow up, there are many different parts of us that grow to form our identity. Our identities are made up of many wonderful parts - things like our culture, sexuality, religion, age, our body, gender and lots more.
 
Navigating and understanding our identities can be an exciting time. For some it can be a time that also raises feelings of being different to others and this may lead to emotions like sadness, stress or shame. It is important to remember our identities are personal, no one can tell you how to identify. You are who you are. To help learn more about the wonderful things that make up our identities, we have put together some useful resources for young people navigating their identity and information on identity for family, health professionals and educators.

Sexuality and gender identity

Gender identity and sexuality both exist on broad spectrums. From mostly male through to mostly female or mostly attracted to the opposite gender through to attracted to the same gender. How people feel about their gender or who they’re attracted to is personal and uniquely them. It is an amazing part of their identity. Learn more about these here. 

• What is gender identity? Information for young people or for family
  
  
• Understanding sexuality and sexual identity - information for young people or for family.
  
  
• Out-Spoken video series: talking sexuality, gender identity and everything in between
  
  
• Group chat transcripts for young people or for their family and friends
  
  
• Resources for health professionals
  
  

Cultural and ethnic identity

Australia is a multicultural society. We are all unique and special and have our own cultural history and family heritage. The importance of someone’s cultural identity can change across their life time. Sometimes growing up surrounded by a culture that is different to the one at home may mean that cultural beliefs cause challenges for us. Learn more about celebrating your cultural identity and how to navigate challenges here. 

• Cultural identity & mental health 
  
  
• Getting support for mental health: for multicultural young people
  
  
• Strength in My Roots video series: hear from multicultural young people about their experiences
  
  
• Group chat transcripts for young people or for their family and friends
  
  

Other resources 

• Minus18: Have lots of resources about gender diversity and sexuality for young people and their family and friends
  
  
• Raising Children Network: Has compiled a list of services, support groups and resources on the topics of gender identity and sexuality for young people and their family and friends
  
  
• The Genderbread Person: a useful resource for understanding gender identity
  
  
• Qlife: Chat to a volunteer LGBTIQA+ counsellor over the phone or through web-chat every day from 3pm to midnight (all ages)
  
  
• Black Rainbow: National volunteer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social enterprise supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ community. Check out their webinars