
LGBTI
Community
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) banned lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel from serving openly until 23 November 1992, the ban was lifted by the Keating Government. An official Defence contingent joined the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the first time in 2008. Since 1 January 2009, partners of LGBTI personnel have had the same access to military retirement pensions and superannuation as mixed-sex couples. However there were still restrictions on transgender service until September 2010. In 2013 a contingent marched in uniform for the first time at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Even today, many Veterans still require healing and support as they may maintain a feeling that they were abandoned. There are programs and support organisations available for not only those that were affected by history but for those that still serve to this day.
Counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. Phone: 1800 184 527