LGBTIQA+ rights
Understand protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics under Australian law and your rights.
Summary
Every person is born with inherent dignity and value and the right to live free from discrimination and harm. Human rights help us recognise and respect this in ourselves and in each other. All people have the same human rights regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.
The Sex Discrimination Act
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) includes protections that make it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of their sexuality, gender identity, or intersex status (also known as variations in sex characteristics), or because of their relationships.
It can be used to make sure you are treated fairly anywhere you go in Australia: at your work, when you are studying, when you are renting or buying a place to live, and when you are accessing services.
Find out more about the Sex Discrimination Act
Making a complaint
The Sex Discrimination Act allows you to make a complaint if you have been treated unfairly at work, school, in public places, or when accessing services because of your relationship status, your sexual orientation, your gender or your sex characteristics.
Find out how you can make a complaint
Find out about specific protections for:
Know your rights
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex (SOGII)
Explore LGBTIQA+ rights in Australia: progress, rising discrimination and violence, and urgent policy actions needed to uphold human rights.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer and asexual equality
Find out how the Commission plays a crucial role in promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) equality and addressing discrimination.
Trans and gender diverse people's rights in Australia
A series of explainers about the rights of trans and gender diverse people in Australia.
What is sex discrimination?
Understand the Sex Discrimination Act and your rights to gender equality, freedom from harassment, and protection against discrimination in work and public
Guidelines - trans and gender diverse inclusion in sport
Guidelines to help sporting organisations promote inclusion and participation of transgender and gender diverse people in sport.
What we're doing
Learn about our work supporting the rights of LGBTIQA+ people through initiatives, reports and submissions.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
Do you want to learn about sex and gender rights?
Support is available
Find a full list of support services to meet your needs, no matter who you are or where you live in Australia.
The Commissioner
Advocating for LGBTIQA+ rights is one of the priorities of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody.
Dr Cody is committed to hearing from those with lived experience and elevating the importance of intersectional approaches that recognise people in all their diversity.
Dr Anna Cody
Sex Discrimination Commissioner
Contact us
Have you experienced unfair treatment, sexual harassment or discrimination in Australia?
