This document discusses the isolation experienced by rural lesbians and ways to respond to their needs. It notes that over 1/3 of Australians view lesbianism negatively. For rural lesbians, the closet provides protection from prejudice but also isolation. Individual isolation is exacerbated by stigma, fear of discovery, and reduced support. Health practitioners should recognize lesbianism as a culture and institutions should treat all couples equally. The document calls for responses to address the isolation of rural lesbians.

1. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
TheThe CountryCountry ClosetCloset
Rural Lesbians in isolation

2. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
Introduction
35% of Australians over 14 years
believe lesbianism is immoral
Mapping Homophobia in Australia, Australian InstituteWeb paper,July 2005, Michael Flood and Clife Hamilton

3. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
Introduction
• The closet is a lesbian response to prejudice,
discrimination and stigma
• Isolation is a social determinant of health

4. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
An Institution’s Response
Couples are COUPLES
All things being EQUAL

5. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
An Individual Lesbian’s Response
o Stigma
o Fear of discovery
o Societal prejudice and ignorance
o Reduced access to support and services

6. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
An Individual Lesbian’s Response
The many faces of isolation
Judy Horacek
It
could’ve
been
worse...
It
could’ve
been
worse...
One of us
might’ve been
Heterosexual
One of us
might’ve been
Heterosexual

7. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
An Individual Lesbian’s Response
60
of separation is not a comforting thought for a
rural lesbian living a double life.

8. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
A Health Practitioner’s Response
Lesbianism is a culture

9. Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’
What CAN WE DO?

10. The Country Closet
Rural Lesbians in Isolation
Cathy Wheel
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, North Western Victoria
‘Responding to Women’s Needs’