Andrew Cameron MACP has always been driven by two instincts—to help others and to stay connected to sport. 

In Australia, sport is more than just a game—it is a cultural cornerstone that unites communities, builds friendships and fosters belonging. 

Yet for athletes who identify as LGBTQIA+, sporting environments can feel exclusionary rather than inclusive. 

Experiences of discrimination and fear of judgement remain powerful barriers to participation. 

October is Australia’s Mental Health Month and an opportunity to bring the country together to raise awareness about mental illness and to promote better mental health. 

One in five Australians will experience mental illness in any given year. 

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders (HCTD) that affect all systems of the body. 

The most common type of EDS is hypermobile EDS, which is characterised by increased mobility in the joints as per the Beighton score, systemic features including skin problems and widespread pain. 

What specific question did your study seek to answer?

In this study, we investigated two research questions:

What are physiotherapy students’ attitudes and beliefs towards providing care for LGBTQIA+ individuals?

Acceptance and awareness play a vital role in determining health outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

For many transgender and gender-diverse individuals, positive body image and alignment of identity and gender can be life-changing and life-saving.

Many of us find affirmation when we look in the mirror and feel confident about ourselves and how the world will perceive
us.