Rainbow Knowledge in northern WA

Navigating dual identities has been identified by recently released research as a key challenge for Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young adults in northern WA.

Researchers from the Walkern Katatdjin, or ‘Rainbow Knowledge’ team examined the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young adults in Rubibi (Broome) and Goonoonoorrang (Kununurra) for this project.

Participants reported having a “dynamic relationship with their intersecting identities, which either allowed them to embrace these aspects separately or protect themselves from discrimination,” according to the report, which is available here.

Young people interviewed in the project separated their identities around different people. This was done out of fear about the reaction of friends, family, or community, and also out of respect for cultural spaces.

Other themes to emerge included development of resilience and independence to overcome adversity, and a desire for safe, inclusive and accessible services.

In building resilience, participants recognised the importance of interpersonal supports and the need for self-advocacy in services, particularly when they were culturally unsafe or had little understanding of the intersection of their Aboriginal and LGBTQA+ identities.

“When you are working with regional communities, it’s so important that you take the time to build trust,” lead author Lily Hayward said.

It’s pleasing to see that visibility and representation of Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people in the Kimberley has improved since this project began, but more work needs to be done to ensure these young people are supported.

Walkern Katatdjin is a collaboration of researchers from Youth Mental Health at The Kids Research Institute  Australia, Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre at Murdoch University, Kurongkurl Katitjin at ECU, and the School of Population and Global Health at UWA.

After releasing a first-of-its-kind national survey, Walkern Katatdjin released a roadmap in 2025 to empower communities to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ young people are safe, healthy and thriving. Read the roadmap here.

Lead author Lily Hayward with the report.