Rainbow Knowledge: bridging support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ Youth

First published on Edith Cowan University

The initiative, known as "Walkern Katatdjin," which roughly translates to "Rainbow Knowledge" in the Noongar language, seeks to address critical gaps in health and social support services available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who identify as LGBTQA+.

Distressingly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are at a greater risk of poor social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) than their non-Indigenous peers, as well as increased risk for suicide, anxiety, and depression.

Many of these young people (aged 14-25) face challenges relating to discrimination and social and cultural isolation, making them particularly vulnerable to inadequate healthcare support.

Through Walkern Katatjdin, Professor Uink and her team are leading efforts to amplify the voices of young people and empower health providers to foster inclusive environments.

"Participants in the National Survey 2022 shared stories of encountering dismissive care, discomfort in accessing Aboriginal health services, and biases within some LGBTQA+ spaces. Many described the difficulty of being seen and accepted as both Aboriginal and LGBTQA+," said Professor Uink.

"These young people also stressed the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments that combine cultural safety with LGBTQA+ allyship.

"Our research has highlighted the significant gaps in support, from under-resourced services to practitioners lacking cultural safety or understanding of diverse identities.

"We are encouraged to see that the research findings have already been impactful in implementing practical training resources for health providers and helping navigate pathways to support services for Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people."

Understanding the need for culturally sensitive support

ECU's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) Professor Braden Hill is a key researcher on the Rainbow Knowledge project reinforces that there is currently a growing number of resources tailored to meet the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ individuals, although not nearly enough.

Professor Hill explains how the research responds to these challenges by promoting inclusive research and generating culturally sensitive solutions.

"Our team led by Professor Uink are working directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ youth and collaborating with service providers to bridge these gaps," Professor Hill.

Navigating identity: Insights from Aboriginal LGBTQA+ youth

Professor Uink explained that for many Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people, identity is at the heart of their wellbeing.

"Participants in our study shared how family, friends, and community relationships shaped their sense of self—sometimes uplifting them, but often presenting challenges and highlighting the broader struggle of belonging.

"Many felt unaccepted by the Aboriginal community due to their LGBTQA+ identity and unsupported by the LGBTQA+ community because of their Aboriginal identity."

This dual marginalisation underscored the importance of creating spaces specifically for Aboriginal LGBTQA+ people, where visibility and belonging could thrive.

A three-phase approach to meaningful change

Professor Uink described Walkern Katatdjin's three-phase structure, designed to deepen understanding and create community-driven resources, noting that this research is among the first to document the experiences of young people within this group in living in the Perth metropolitan region.

"We consulted youth and stakeholders to map challenges and inform tailored interventions, we then collaborated with the Youth Advisory Group and Indigenous Governance Group to guide research, recruitment, and resource development, ensuring outputs align with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ lived experiences.

"We have almost completed the final project stage, which is co-design of a Community Roadmap with communities, youth, and health providers to deliver sustainable, actionable strategies for immediate and long-term support."

Youth empowerment and advocacy

Professor Uink expressed that central to Walkern Katatjdin’s success is its Youth Advisory Group, which consists of Aboriginal LGBTQA+ individuals aged 14-25 who play an active role in steering the project’s direction.

"The Youth Advisory Group’s involvement is so pivotal in ensuring that the project remains authentic, relevant and effective," says Professor Uink.

"These young advisors collaborate on data collection, analysis and resource creation, contributing their insights and sharing their stories to shape project outcomes.

"The Youth Advisory Group is an embodiment of the project's commitment to community ownership, placing young people at the heart of the initiative. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the specific challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ youth while also fostering a sense of agency among the participants."

A call for collaborative transformation

Professor Braden Hill reinforces that Rainbow Knowledge’s approach exemplifies the power of collaboration.

"The project engages a range of stakeholders, from healthcare professionals to community leaders and Elders, all of whom play a role in creating supportive environments," said Professor Hill.

"With partners such as the Kids Research Institute Australia, Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre and other Aboriginal health and community organisations, Rainbow Knowledge is building a network of allies dedicated to fostering social change.

"By addressing the complexities of identity, culture and health, Rainbow Knowledge is more than a research project—it’s a movement toward equity and respect."

Rainbow PRIDE

This Pride Month Walkern Katatjdin will be running a stall at the PrideFest FAIRDAY on 17th November and look forward to spreading news about the project and the community engagement for our Pride Yarns and other research projects.

Moving forward with Rainbow Knowledge

Rainbow Knowledge represents a transformative step toward bridging cultural and social gaps in health and wellbeing support.

Professor Hill commends Professor Uink's work, and that of the team for being grounded in compassion and cultural awareness, which offers an inspiring model for future research and community engagement.

"Through its commitment to co-designing solutions with Indigenous youth, Rainbow Knowledge ensures that its outcomes resonate with those it aims to support, creating a lasting impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ communities across Australia."

Artwork creates relatable characters

The Rainbow Knowledge project has engaged local artists, including Shakyrrah Beck, Kaeya Milton and Manmiya to portray characters that are relatable for young LGBTIQA+ people. The artwork is by young Aboriginal queer artist Kaeya Milton whose pronouns are they/them. Kaeya is a strong believer of equality and does their best to show this in their art. They are Aboriginal and wish to learn more about their culture from their Mum and the people in her life. Kaeya does commissions and is currently a full-time artist.

Are you a young person (14-25 years old) who is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQA+?

If so, the research team on the Walkern Katatdjin project would love to hear from you!

Please send us a paragraph about who you are and why you are interested in being part of the Youth Advisory Group (an Expression Of Interest). EOI's can be sent to Shakara Liddelow-Hunt, who is a research assistant on the project, at Rainbow.Knowledge@telethonkids.org.au

If you would prefer to give an EOI over the phone, please contact Shakara on 08 6319 1062. Please also feel free to contact Shakara with any questions about the Youth Advisory Group or about the project.

There is no closing date for applications. We will be considering EOI's on a case-by-case basis as they arrive and will contact you shortly after.

Reach out – support is here!

It's important to reach out when you need support. We've put together this list of services that you can go to for help with your mental health and wellbeing.

The final results of the Phase 1 & Phase 2 qualitative interviews and yarning groups are available in our Community Report, under findings. Full reports are available for download.

For more information or to join the efforts in uplifting Indigenous LGBTQA+ youth, visit Rainbow Knowledge.

​Please be aware that some of these findings are distressing and include discussion of suicide. If you need help, we encourage you to reach out to:

• Lifeline: 131 114 or www.lifeline.org.au
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au