EXPERIENCES OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND DISPUTES OVER
PUBLIC SPACES OF LGBT COMMUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review.......................................................................................................................4
Methods......................................................................................................................................5
Analysis / Results.......................................................................................................................6
Theme 1: Visibility and Invisibility.........................................................................................6
Theme 2: Safety and Fear......................................................................................................6
Theme 3: Public Backlash and Support.................................................................................7
Theme 4: Activism and Resistance.........................................................................................7
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................9
Appendices...............................................................................................................................10
Appendix 1: The intersectionality of social determinants of health to illustrate the
compounding impact on health disparities..........................................................................10
Appendix 2: Distribution of gay, lesbian, bisexual and other non-heterosexual persons in
Australia by age group.........................................................................................................11
Appendix 3: Estimated pay gaps by comparator groups and industry................................11
2
Introduction
The LGBTQ community in Australia has aimed to express themselves and be included in
public places, since they are the main places for connecting with others, expressing culture
and participating in political actions. Due to these social issues and views, areas where people
group together are often areas of opposition and social exclusion for these groups (Ong,
Lewis, & Vorobjovas-Pinta, 2021). People in the LGBTQ community using public spaces
also bring up bigger society-wide problems about acknowledging identity, acceptance and
rights. This report examines the issues of being isolated and dealing with legal arguments
about public spaces that LGBTQ people in Australia deal with. By looking at what the media
and communities say, the research aims to learn about the patterns of being seen, safety,
opposition and activism in these public places. Nearly half of the sample (43.18%) indicated
that they are the victims of family-of-origin violence. Over half (60.7%) of the participants
said they have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) (Amos et al., 2023) [Refer to
Appendix 1]. In addition, Indigenous LGBTQ individuals face more difficulties accessing
comfortable and accepting public spaces because they face both ethnic and cultural minority
status (Sullivan et al., 2023). This research aims to look at how LGBTQ people in Australia
live with social exclusion and conflicts over public space, as shown in the media, focusing on
themes related to being seen, remaining safe, facing negativity and taking action.
Literature Review
Studies explain that public places are important for LGBTQ individuals because these
feelings of acceptance or rejection are often met there. According to Ussher et al. (2022),
public areas can be more dangerous for transgender women of colour in Australia, because
their social exclusion and experiences of violence are worsened by racism and transphobia.
Because of these layers of marginalisation, it is becoming more difficult for them to be safe
whenever they interact in public areas (Ong et al., 2021). Similarly, Amos et al. (2023)
demonstrate that many non-binary and Indigenous LGBTQ individuals go through a lot of
family and community violence, resulting in social isolation. These people are also excluded
from many mainstream LGBTQ spaces, which increases their feelings of being alone and
exposed.
According to Sullivan et al. (2023), there is a link between cultural identity, race and
sexuality among these women, who generally feel excluded from their cultural communities
3
as well as from mainstream LGBTQ communities. In addition, having two separate identities
adds more to their feelings of isolation. Being isolated from society or others causes more
stress and loneliness naturally. Soldatic et al. (2021) point out that this is an issue through the
term spatial contestation, which involves conflicts over using public spaces. Pride marches
cause tension due to LGBTQ people aiming to be seen as equals in society, and some groups
opposing them. These issues are commonly reported in the media with both good and bad
perspectives, which often leads to more divisions in society.
Thus, it is necessary to use an intersectional approach, suggested by Hill et al. (2024), to
recognise the varied difficulties that LGBTQ individuals experience. Dealing with situations
where many forms of marginalisation overlap mean we need frameworks that record the
different ways they affect and relate to people. Ongoing studies reveal the need for all
LGBTQ people, especially those who belong to more than one marginalised group, to feel
safe and included in public places.
Methods
The study relies on qualitative analysis of media content to see how issues of LGBTQ status
and fiery debates related to space are discussed in the country. A total of 35 media texts
published over the years 2018 to 2023 have been picked to analyse the topic in detail. Going
through mainstream newspapers, news websites and media outlets designed for LGBT
people. There are stories on open and celebratory events, such as the Sydney Mardi Gras and
also on events featuring conflict, such as protests against the LGBTQ community and reports
of people facing hostility in public (Storr et al., 2022). Media analysis has been employed
because it displays how stories on LGBTQ issues are created and spread across society, and
this affects how people feel about including them in cities (Dunn, 2016). The analysis of the
data showed that important topics in the literature are people being either seen or ignored,
people’s reactions to feeling safe and threatened, criticism along with support and the part
activism and resistance played. It agrees with social constructionism, which believes that
media act as key locations for social meanings to be formed and retested day after day (Ong
et al., 2021). Information from studies related to social, cultural and political conditions in
LGBTQ communities in Australia has been used when explaining the findings. Studying both
media evidence and research helps reveal how LGBTQ groups manage situations involving
exclusion and acceptance in society.
4
Analysis/ Results
Theme 1: Visibility and Invisibility
Media shows how both being seen and not being seen are challenges for LGBTQ people in
various public settings. The Sydney Mardi Gras event is often covered to recognise the
visibility, confidence and cultural role of LGBTQ communities (Ong et al., 2021). They are
described as seizing spaces usually ruled by heteronormativity which strengthens connections
in the LGBTQIA+ community (Hill et al., 2024). At the same time, many Indigenous
LGBTQ people say that they feel disregarded by both mainstream LGBTQ organisations and
their own cultural communities (Sullivan et al., 2023). Such women have experienced being
different in social groups, workplaces and daily life, despite having a connection to those
places (p. 347, Sullivan et al., 2023) [Refer to Appendix 2]. This indistinctness includes
media reports, as there are few representations of Indigenous LGBTQ people and their
experiences are mostly seen in a negative way (Hill et al., 2024). According to Ussher et al.
(2022), trans women of colour in public places can become very visible, which can make the
effects of discrimination worse.
Theme 2: Safety and Fear
The media often highlight the fact that LGBTQ people, among them those who are especially
marginalised, face many safety problems. A study by Amos et al. (2023) found that in
Australia, less than half of the population (59.3%) have not suffered from either family-origin
or intimate partner violence, affecting Indigenous, non-binary and trans individuals at a
significantly higher rate. Media usually reflects this, speaking of street harassment, abusive
words and violence that especially affects trans-women of colour (Ussher et al., 2022).
Nearly half (about 40%) of LGBTQ people report dealing with harassment or violence in
public or community spaces (Ussher et al., 2022). Many LGBTQ individuals try to stay safe
by going to certain places less and lowering the amount they are seen in public (Şahin, 2021).
They also mention that urban LGBTQ places do not always feel safe for them because of
racism and being kept out, making it harder for them to join in public events (Henningham,
2021). Because of this fear, LGBTQ people try to protect themselves in public, which affects
their social opportunities and psychological well-being.
5
Theme 3: Public Backlash and Support
Documentary coverage and popular culture introduce different attitudes about claims for
LGBTQ spaces. Many times, Pride events or similar public actions are met with anti-LGBTQ
protesters and people showing hostility (Colliver and Colliver, 2021). Backlash is magnified
through online attacks on LGBTQ groups, and this can build up to violence both online and
offline (Ong et al., 2021). Sometimes, the local groups such as councils and advocacy
organisations [Refer to Appendix 3], take action with others, implementing protections,
education initiatives and social events aimed at all in the community (Soldatic et al., 2021).
Rainbow Health Victoria is an organisation that works to make places safer for LGBTQ
people, especially if they face additional types of marginalisation (Amos et al., 2023). It
shows that there are continuing disagreements in society about letting LGBTQ individuals
take part in public life.
Theme 4: Activism and Resistance
LGBTQ people often resist feeling unwelcome by making their rights known where everyone
can see. The media often shows how demonstrations, vigils and cultural gatherings happen in
public areas to display both political thoughts and community support (Hill et al., 2024).
Because race, gender and sexuality all play a role for Indigenous LGBTQ people, activists are
raising issues and fighting for equal rights within both Indigenous and LGBTQ communities
(Sullivan et al., 2023). These actions, instead of excluding, contribute to giving equal space to
different groups (Ong et al., 2021). Many people who work to improve social conditions for
LGBTQ individuals also call for efforts to address forms of oppression besides homophobia
and transphobia, such as racism and ableism (Ussher et al., 2022). Seeing media coverage of
such incidents can change how a person feels about inclusion and what changes are made to
safety rules in public areas by governments.
Conclusion
In this study, it is clear that being seen among Australian LGBTQ people in public areas can
either lead to acceptance or rejection. Those who are Indigenous, members of the LGBTQ
community and trans people of colour are often disadvantaged, which often affects their
feelings of belonging and safety. Reports and images from the media capture the contrasting
nature of celebrities by balancing positive and negative news, and people may respond with
criticism or support at the same time. Efforts in cities and for development should
6
acknowledge the many ways LGBTQ people are excluded from society. It is suggested to
designate public spaces that are safe for all, give anti-discrimination training to officials and
promote the work of LGBTQ groups. They can contribute to a safer, more united and more
equal use of public spaces by the entire neighbourhood. Making sure that Indigenous LGBTQ
people are included in the process is necessary to overcome multiple barriers and create space
for everyone.
7
References
Amos, N., Hill, A., Donovan, C., Carman, M., Parsons, M., McNair, R., Lyons, A. and
Bourne, A., 2023. Family violence within LGBTQ communities in Australia: intersectional
experiences and associations with mental health outcomes. Sexuality research and social
policy, 20(4), pp.1316-1327.
Henningham, M., 2021. Blak, bi+ and borderlands: An autoethnography on multiplicities of
Indigenous queer identities using borderland theory. Social Inclusion, 9(2), pp.7-17.
Hill, B., Dodd, J., Uink, B., Bonson, D. and Bennett, S., 2024. Pride, belonging and
community: What does this mean if you are Aboriginal and LGBT+ and living in Western
Australia?. Journal of Sociology, 60(1), pp.39-58.
Ong, F., Lewis, C. and Vorobjovas-Pinta, O., 2022. Questioning the inclusivity of events: The
queer perspective. In Events and sustainability (pp. 306-323). Routledge.
Soldatic, K., Briskman, L., Trewlynn, W., Leha, J. and Spurway, K., 2021. Social
exclusion/inclusion and Australian First Nations LGBTIQ+ young people’s wellbeing. Social
Inclusion, 9(2), pp.42-51.
Sullivan, C., 2021. 'Hot, Young, Buff': An Indigenous Australian Gay Male View of Sex
Work. Social Inclusion, 9(2), pp.52-60.
Sullivan, C.T., Tran, D., Spurway, K., Briskman, L., Leha, J., Trewlynn, W. and Soldatic, K.,
2023. ‘This is our place, but we’re the outsiders’: the navigation of identity and spaces of
belonging by Indigenous LGBTIQ+ women in Australia. Australian Geographer, 54(3),
pp.347-364.
Ussher, J.M., Hawkey, A., Perz, J., Liamputtong, P., Sekar, J., Marjadi, B., Schmied, V.,
Dune, T. and Brook, E., 2022. Gender affirmation and social exclusion amongst trans women
of colour in Australia. International Journal of Transgender Health, 23(1-2), pp.79-96.
Colliver, B. and Colliver, B., 2021. Space, Place and Exclusion. Re-imagining Hate Crime:
Transphobia, Visibility and Victimisation, pp.129-164.
Storr, R., Jeanes, R., Rossi, T. and Lisahunter, 2022. Are we there yet?(Illusions of) Inclusion
in sport for LGBT+ communities in Australia. International Review for the Sociology of
Sport, 57(1), pp.92-111.
8
Şahin, S., 2021. Coming out: The role of journalism in social exclusion of LGB
people. Journalism, 22(1), pp.215-230.
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Appendices
Appendix 1: The intersectionality of social determinants of health to illustrate the
compounding impact on health disparities.
(Source: Front. Public Health, 2023)
10
Appendix 2: Distribution of gay, lesbian, bisexual and other non-heterosexual
persons in Australia by age group
(Source: Statista, 2025)
11
Appendix 3: Estimated pay gaps by comparator groups and industry
(Source: [Link], 2025)
12
