FAQs for LGBTIQ people


What can I do if I find homophobic things written online?

It may be vilification if the words used are serious enough to be capable of inciting hatred, contempt, or severe ridicule of you, or gay/lesbian people as a whole. It would only be vilification under the Act if the words are written in a public forum (rather than a private message or email), for example, on a social media page or publicly accessible website.

The first thing to do is to report the post to Facebook, or the relevant website administrator so that they can remove it. You might also want to lodge a complaint with us here at the Commission.

Find out more about vilification

Find out more about our complaints process

Contact our enquiry line

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What can I do if neighbours yell abuse about my sexuality to me?

It may be vilification if the words used are serious enough to be capable of inciting hatred, contempt or severe ridicule of you, or gay/lesbian people as a whole. Sometimes neighbourhood conflicts are not covered by the Act because it did not happen in public, so to be covered by the Act the words must be capable of being heard by others. You could also talk to us about lodging a complaint here at the Commission.

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Can I take my same-sex partner to the school formal or to a work event?

It would be discrimination under the Act to be told that you can only bring an opposite sex partner to an event such as a school formal or work event, because this is less favourable treatment compared with others in the same or similar circumstances because of your sexuality.

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If I experience homophobic jokes or comments, is it discrimination?

Jokes and comments about your sexuality may be discrimination if they occur in an area of public life, such as: while you are working, at school or college, while obtaining goods and services, when renting or buying property, when obtaining insurance or superannuation or in dealing with state or local government. Divisive, belittling or derogatory remarks about your sexuality may be discrimination.

Read more about sexuality discrimination

Read more about gender identity discrimination

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