The role of the physiotherapist is to improve quality of life for all. 

However, it is well known that factors such as the social determinants of health will influence levels of trust and interaction with healthcare and also outcomes for certain population groups.

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. 

Health is arguably one of the most personal aspects of our lives and seeking healthcare can be a very vulnerable experience. 

As health practitioners (aka strangers), we ask patients to divulge highly personal information and to trust us to treat them and that information with confidentiality and respect. 

I have long been interested in understanding and helping to create inclusive and diverse workplaces and sporting environments, particularly in cycling.

I started cycling for fun after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, chondroplasty and mosaicplasty and have now been a member of a women-only cycling club in Adelaide for over 15 years.

How many physiotherapists were involved in the study and were they a representative sample?

A total of 273 physiotherapists participated in the study, with a median age of 34.