STI Testing for Queer Refugees and Asylum Seekers

I WANT YOU TO COME

“When I first came to Australia, I felt lonely. I wanted to make new friends, and people were so nice, inviting me to their birthday parties. But I was too shy to go” – TQC member

This feeling is something many of our members, LGBT refugees living in Brisbane, can relate to. We really want to build connections, but we often feel shy—especially when you already have your own circles, and we have to figure out how to fit in. Take these examples of invitations below. They might seem simple, but our members might perceive them differently:

Hey, do you want to come to my birthday party?

I’m watching a movie with some friends. Feel free to join us if you want.

We really appreciate the invitation, but it can be challenging to blend in, especially when we don’t quite feel like we belong yet. Allow us to suggest a more inclusive invitation that can help us feel warmly welcomed:

Hello, we’re having a Christmas party at New Farm, and I really want you to come. Are you available this weekend?

This simple expression, ‘I really want you to come,’ is reassuring for us because it shows that our presence is genuinely desired. We hope this sheds some light on how to make your invitations more inclusive—not just for us, but for everyone.

This campaign highlights the challenges faced by LGBT refugees in Brisbane when trying to build meaningful social connections in their new community. Feeling welcomed and included is vital for mental health and overall well-being, but feelings of shyness, isolation, and fear of not belonging can make social interactions overwhelming. By fostering understanding and promoting more inclusive ways of extending invitations, we can make a significant difference in creating a sense of belonging for everyone.