Northern Sydney Local Health District - LGBTIQ+ Health Symposium

 An inspiring day of learning, discussion, and collaboration as we explore the future of inclusive healthcare for older LGBTIQ+ communities.

Our ageing LGBTIQ+ population has fought hard for the right to exist, and now deserves to be well-supported as they enter later life and aged care services. Yet, there remain significant gaps in research, policy, and service delivery. This symposium shines a light on these challenges while celebrating resilience and paving the way for better health outcomes.

Hybrid Event – All Welcome. Register to attend via the QR code below or visit

In person attendance at: Kolling Institute, Level 5, Auditorium

Online Via: Microsoft Teams

The event will be hosted on Friday the 10th of October from 8:30am to 3:30pm in the Kolling Building Auditorium, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend in person or online. If you have any accessibility requirements or require an interpreter, please email jemma.clifton@health.nsw.gov.au

📍To attend online, join the meeting here on the day: https://bit.ly/4lvM4us

Please email jemma.clifton@health.nsw.gov.au with any accessibility or dietary requirements.

Program

8:30 – 9:00 AM | Registration & Welcome Breakfast
Coffee, breakfast, and networking to start the day.

9:00 – 9:15 AM | Opening Remarks
Acknowledgment of Country and welcome by Adjunct Prof. Anthony Schembri AM, NSLHD Chief Executive.

9:15 – 10:30 AM | Lived Experience Panel
Ross Bell, Teresa Savage, Darby Carr, Jess Hooley, and Aunty Kooncha share their journeys of growing up, coming out, and ageing in Australia. Their stories provide insights into the challenges faced, communities built, and what healthy ageing means for LGBTIQ+ elders today.

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Tea
Light snacks and refreshments; a chance to reflect on the panel discussion.

10:50 – 12:00 PM | Keynote Research Presentations
Dr Ruby Grant, Dr Meaghan Vosz, and Dr Louisa Smith present research on LGBTIQ+ ageing, dementia, and inclusive aged care. Includes Q&A on the implications for practice and policy.

12:00 – 12:30 PM | Lunch Break

12:30 – 1:15 PM | Healthy Ageing and Human Rights for People with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics
Margie McCumstie (InterAction) shares her experience growing up intersex and navigating health and legal systems. The session explores inclusive ageing policies and care practices for intersex elders.

1:15 – 2:15 PM | Impacts of Stigma on LGBTIQ+ Healthy Ageing
Panel: Prof. Tinashe Dune, Dr Brooke Brady, Prof. Limin Mao, Michael Frommer, Tish Bruce, and Estelle Clarke. Discussion on how stigma affects health and wellbeing, with practical strategies for embedding affirming, intersectional care in services and policy.

2:15 - 2:30 pm | Afternoon Tea

2:30 – 3:15 PM | Community Programs Panel
Michael Frommer, Oscar Sanchez, Sergio Moreno, and Jinny-Jane Smith highlight community-led initiatives supporting older LGBTIQ+ people. Learn about volunteer programs, advocacy, and culturally safe services that reduce isolation and build connection.

3:15 – 3:30 PM | Closing Remarks
Michael Woodhouse, CEO of ACON, summarises the day and outlines key calls to action.