People from the LGBTIQA+ community who attend a breast screening appointment in the ACT will now receive a rainbow scarf as part of an ACT Government program to foster inclusivity and encourage health screenings.
BreastScreen ACT launched the Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia on Saturday.
“It’s important to make people feel safe and included when they come in for a breast screen. Health care should be accessible, inclusive and supportive for everyone – regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation,” said BreastScreen ACT Quality and Promotions Manager, Jodie Kirkness.
“Research shows that people within this group experience increased discrimination, affecting access to health services and ultimately reducing the benefits of early detection.”
In collaboration with local artist LaToya Kennedy of Kalari Art, BreastScreen ACT has created vibrant rainbow scarves to encourage people from the LGBTIQA+ community to invest in their health and book in for a breast screen.
“As a proud Indigenous lesbian, I draw inspiration from my ancestors who have walked this land before us and who have managed and maintained this land for tens-of-thousands of years; and from my Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities who have taught me to always be strong and proud of who I am and where I come from,” said Ms Kennedy.
“I also get inspiration from my surroundings, recreating elements of Country and telling stories through symbolic representation.
“The design shows multiple aspects of traditional elements, such as meeting places, connection pathways, people, symbols that represent the LGBTQIA+ community, footprints, and animal tracks.
“The design also demonstrates connections and unique relationships that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the country, land and the LGBTQIA+ community.”
ACT Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Inclusive Rainbow Threads Project was a positive step towards ensuring that breast and chest screenings are accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
“The rainbow scarves will be given to individuals who identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community and attend their breast screening appointment,” said the Minister.
“By fostering an environment of support and respect, we aim to encourage regular screenings and promote the health and wellbeing of the LGBTIQA+ community in the ACT.”
The project is supported by BreastScreen ACT’s community of donors and supporters, Luton Properties, the ACT Government LGBTQIA+ and Social Inclusion Strategy Team, and the Canberra Hospital Foundation.
Through Canberra Hospital Foundation’s Pay It Forward initiative, members of the community can contribute by purchasing a scarf where a portion of the funds will pay it forward for someone in the LGBTQIA+ community who attends a screening.
More information on BreastScreen ACT can be found here: www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/breastscreen-act.
