Goulburn offers plenty of support for those in LGBTIQA+ communities

That can harm on your mental health as well.

Luckily, there is plenty of help available for those in LGBTIQA+ communities.

Headspace Goulburn deals with 12 to 25-year-olds and runs a group called 'The Alphabet Group" which brings all those in LGBTIQA+ communities together.

COVID-19 has caused a hiatus to the functioning of the group but when it resumes, there will be guest speakers talking specifically about LGBTIQA+ interest topics like sexual health.

There will also be social activities like arts and crafts.

Headspace Goulburn service manager Gail Davies said individual sessions were also available.

"We get a lot of young people that are coming to our service right now because they're questioning, 'could I be', 'am I' or 'I don't know'," Ms Davies said.

"That's where we will work on a one on one basis.

"Our GP will also support someone if they want to explore their sexuality from a physical standpoint and from there, can also refer them to someone more specialised."

You can call Headspace Goulburn on 4824 4944.

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The NSW Police Force has a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLO) program where the officers are trained to understand terminology, concepts and issues within those communities.

Local GLLO Inspector Alison Brennan says the main purpose of the program is to show that "no matter how you identify, you can be confident there is someone within the police force you can go to for help".

You can ask to speak to a GLLO officer by calling 4823 0399.

Diversity Goulburn is an LGBTIQA+ social and support group founded by Danielle Marsden-Ballard back in 2016.

"We want to advocate for people in the LGBTIQA+ community to be authentic, to be themselves and to live a worthwhile and safe life by being a place of contact," Ms Marsden-Ballard said.

"When people aren't able to be their authentic selves, they may find it hard to do well at school and may not be able to contribute fully in a job.

"However, if they can be authentic and can be themselves, they can be respected, welcomed and safe.

"We also help people get in touch with others with other support services."

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The Grace Uniting Church started the group 'Dare Cafe' which is a community for rainbow folk and their allies to explore spirituality and faith in a safe, relaxed environment, normally over a meal.

Goulburn Uniting Church minister Daniel Mossfield said all attendees find it very beneficial.

"This has been a helpful space for unpacking spiritual trauma from earlier encounters with church," Mr Mossfield said.

"It has also been a space for people who aren't explicitly Christian, but just wanting to explore spirituality more broadly."

The church also offers worship service spaces that are open and affirming.

"This was in large to a pastoral need of members of the rainbow community who had grown up in church, love worshipping God, but felt they could no longer safely do this at their church of origin," he said.

Daniel Mossfield is also able and is willing to do weddings for same gender couples seeking a Christian marriage.

Both 'Dare Cafe' and worship sessions are currently affected by COVID-19.

To join the Grace Uniting Facebook page and to get updates go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Uniting-Church-194319860748976 or email graceuniting@gmail.com.

Wear It Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Other organisations that provide support to LGBTIQA+ communities include Reachout, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline.

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