CASV welcomes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics. Everyone deserves support, respect and safety, and we are a service that affirms who you are.
Sistergirl and Brotherboy are terms used by some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for trans and gender diverse community members.
Our commitment
Sexual violence can happen to anyone. We believe you, we respect who you are, and we will work with you at your pace, without judgement.
Understanding the language
LGBTQIASB+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, sistergirl and brotherboy. The + acknowledges that people describe themselves in many ways that no list of letters can fully capture. Here are some of the terms you may come across.
Lesbian
Describes women, and some non-binary people, who are attracted to women.
Gay
Describes people who are attracted to people of the same gender. Often used by men, and by some women and non-binary people.
Bisexual
Describes people who are attracted to more than one gender.
Trans
Describes people whose gender is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes trans men and women, and non-binary and gender diverse people.
Queer
A broad term some people use for their sexual orientation or gender identity, especially when other labels do not feel right. Not everyone likes the word, so use it only if someone uses it for themselves.
Intersex
Describes people born with variations in sex characteristics, such as hormones, chromosomes or anatomy. This is about bodies, not about sexual orientation or gender identity.
Asexual
Describes people who experience little or no sexual attraction. Asexuality is a spectrum and looks different for each person.
Sistergirl and Brotherboy
Terms used by some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for trans and gender diverse community members. They carry cultural meaning and are for people to use about themselves, not about others.
Being an ally
Allies help make spaces safer by listening, using the words people choose for themselves, not making assumptions, and respecting privacy. Never share someone’s identity with others without their permission.
Language keeps changing, and it is okay to feel unsure. If you are not sure how someone would like to be described, ask politely. Being open to learning matters more than knowing every term.
How we work
Welcoming and affirming
You do not have to explain or justify your identity to receive support. We welcome trans, non-binary and gender diverse people and people of all sexual orientations.
Your name and pronouns
We will use the name and pronouns you tell us, and we will not assume anything about you, your relationships or your family.
Privacy and confidentiality
Information about your identity is yours. We respect your privacy and confidentiality, and you stay in control of what you share.
All experiences are valid
Sexual violence can happen in any relationship and to people of any identity. Whatever happened to you, and whenever it happened, you deserve to be believed and supported.
Tell us what you need
If there is anything we can do to make you feel safer or more comfortable, please let us know when you contact us on 07 3808 3299 or admin@casv.org.au.
Other support
- QLife (peer support for LGBTIQ+ people): 1800 184 527, qlife.org.au
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732