On October 9, 2025, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia hosted a webinar exploring the findings of The Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People in Rural Australia, a comprehensive review that highlights the health disparities, barriers to care, and opportunities for change affecting an estimated 340,000 LGBTIQA+ people living in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia.
Authors Ian Gould and Dr Ruth McNair discuss the evidence, the lived realities of rural LGBTIQA+ populations, and the critical role of inclusive health service planning. The session also outlines practical recommendations for governments, health providers, and community-led organisations to ensure equity in health outcomes, in line with the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035.
Presentation By
Ian Gould
Ian worked professionally in agri-food research and research management, with the Dept of Agriculture, Victoria, the Australian Food Industry Science Centre and the CSIRO. For over 40 years he has volunteered with many Melbourne based LGBTIQ+ community organisations and government advisory committees. He is a Life Member of Thorne Harbour Health and the Mid Summa Festival and was a board member of Pride Foundation Australia for over 10 years. Now living near Castlemaine his current volunteer roles include Community Member, Dhelkaya Health ‘Health Equity & Community Wellbeing Committee’; Community Member, Mt Alexander Shire LGBTIQA+ Steering Group and Community Member of the Central Victorian Community Advisory Committee of the Murray Primary Health Network.
Dr Ruth McNair
Dr Ruth McNair (She/her) is a Melbourne GP and honorary Associate Professor who has dedicated her career to improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people. She has led groundbreaking work on lesbian and bisexual women’s health, same-sex parenting, and LGBTIQ+ homelessness, and has long been a trusted voice in shaping inclusive health policy and practice. A founding member of the Australian Lesbian Medical Association and Chair of Pride Foundation Australia, Ruth’s contributions have been recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia and induction onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
