‘You Can’t Be Gay and Do Religion’: Understanding Muslim LGBTIQ+ Experiences of Accessing Support Services

In 2017, we conducted a research project in Victoria, Australia, aimed at improving understanding of the unique service needs and delivery requirements for vulnerable members of the Muslim LGBTIQ+ community in Victoria. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 12 members of the LGBTIQ+ Muslim community discussing their experiences with 3 identified areas of service provision: Muslim services, LGBTIQ+ services, and mainstream services. The findings demonstrate how participants’ sexualities, gender identities and religious beliefs affect their healthcare access and use, the meanings they derive from such experiences, and the accountability and culpability of systemic and structural inequities. The paper concludes with a summary of recommendations for future research, resourcing and realisation.