Bi+ is an inclusive umbrella term used to describe sexual identities that involve attraction to people of more than one gender, such as bisexual, pansexual, and queer. In 2023, researchers from UNSW (the Kirby Institute and the Centre for Social Research in Health), La Trobe University (the Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society) and the University of Sydney partnered with bi+ community advocates to develop BiSSH: the first national survey of sex, health, and relationships designed specifically for the bi+ community in Australia. 

The study was developed in partnership with an advisory group of 12 bi+ community members from across Australia and coordinated by the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney. The BiSHH study was an anonymous, cross-sectional survey that was launched online in Sep 2024, and by Feb 2025, had recruited over 2,000 bi+ participants of all genders. This survey explored a range of topics related to sexual identity and attraction, sexual behaviour, relationships, and sexual health such as STI/HIV experiences and health service usage. The study also captured information on related aspects of health and wellbeing such as alcohol and drug use, discrimination, sexual violence and coercion, mental health and social networks. 

This session will provide an overview of the survey development process, and key findings related to sexual health and HIV, including sexual behaviour and risk indicators, sexual health and HIV prevention knowledge and attitudes, STI and HIV testing and diagnosis, use of safer sex strategies such as PrEP, PEP and contraception, experiences accessing sexual healthcare and information and strategies to improve sexual healthcare for bi+ people. The session will conclude with a Q&A panel about the study and discussion of implications for policy and sexual health service provision for bi+ people in Australia.

This session will be convened by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University.

Drawing from a comprehensive definition of sexual health (as more than the absence of disease, and incorporating support for safe, respectful and pleasurable sexual relationships), this session will explore approaches to building a collaborative, multi-sector approach to supporting young people’s sexual health. 

We will discuss barriers to, and opportunities for, advancing a comprehensive definition of, and approach to, sexual health in Australian policy and look at what this means for relevant sectors (e.g. health, education, social services, violence prevention, e-safety, youth services).

 The session will involve two presentations followed by a facilitated discussion.

A call to action for sexual health: report from the young people’s sexual health summit

Ahead of the ASRH conference, ARCSHS’ Youth Advisory Board is hosting a one-day sexual health summit with young people to develop a call to action for sexual health. This will be presented by members of the youth advisory board.

Creating an integrated approach to young people’s sexual health

Alexandra James and Jennifer Power will present findings from a recent study mapping sexual health services and programs delivered outside of school settings. The presentation will highlight service gaps, coordination challenges, and opportunities for better integration across sectors and improved support for sexual health programs nationally.

Facilitated discussion
These presentations will be followed by a facilitated discussion in which we ask the room to consider:

1.      Do we need a framework for a comprehensive, multi-sector approach to young people’s sexual health in Australia?

2.      What are the opportunities for, and barriers to, adopting a comprehensive approach to sexual health in Australian policy?

3.      How can we work across sectors, and in partnership with young people, to strengthen and align support for sexual health?