Pictured from left to right are, Tim Greenaway (president, AMA Tas), the winners, Louise Owen (Sexual Health Services) and Geoffrey Bradshaw (psychiatrist), and Susan Ditter (Working It Out).
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – 17 May 2015
The annual Dorothies, awarded by Tasmania’s gender and sexuality support and education service Working It Out (WIO), today recognized Tasmanian medical practitioners that are leading the way with inclusivity for LGBTI Tasmanians.
The aim of The Dorothies is to recognise mainstream contributions to inclusive practice, to increase awareness of the need to be inclusive of LGBTI Tasmanians and to increase access to services for LGBTI Tasmanians.
WIO CEO Susan Ditter said the 2015 Dorothies Commendation Award to a Medical Service was presented to Sexual Health Service Tasmania, for its longstanding commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.
“Sexual Health Service Tasmania is a statewide service staffed by doctors, nurses, counselors and educators, to provide people with the opportunity to enhance their sexual health and wellbeing,” Ms Ditter said.
“A Significant Support Award was also presented as part of the Dorothies, which went to Geoffrey Bradshaw in recognition of his provision of psychiatric care.
“Since 2012, each year the Dorothies have celebrated inclusivity in a range of Tasmanian services, including inclusive workplaces, inclusive schools and now inclusive medical practices across the state.
“At WIO we are constantly asked to recommend doctors and specialists for lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex people and their families, with an increasing number of parents now also asking for this information for their children.
Presenting the Dorothies, Australian Medical Association (Tasmania) President A/Prof Tim Greenaway said the AMA was serious about its responsibility for setting the standards of ethical behavior expected of doctors and for improving and maintaining the health of patients.
“The AMA believes in equity of access to health care for all Australians,” A/Prof Greenaway said.
“Our Position Statement on Sexual Diversity and Gender Identity states that discrimination against LGBTI populations contributes to poorer health outcomes and a doctor’s non-judgmental acknowledgement of a patient’s sexual orientation, gender identity and behavior enhances clinical care.
“The AMA is pleased to acknowledge inclusive medical practices in Tasmania through the presentation of the Dorothies, and looks forward to a day when such awards are not necessary, as discrimination on any basis is anathema to Australians.”
Tim Greenaway, Susan Ditter
