Dr Todd Fernando
A Desire to Flourish: The Social and Cultural Factors Shaping the Health and Identity of Queer Indigenous Australians
Abstract
This PhD research presents the findings of a qualitative study into the social, cultural, and historical factors that shape the determinants of health of queer Indigenous people in Australia.
The investigation reveals that despite being framed or positioned as an ‘at risk’ population within Indigenous health practices, queer Indigenous people are highly literate and proactive in managing their health and wellbeing. Further, queer Indigenous people showcase diverse codeswitching techniques within the public and private interfaces of queer and Indigenous social settings.
The study also found that queer Indigenous Australians possess a deep desire to understand and connect their gender and sexuality experiences within both ancient and contemporary Indigenous cultures as a form of healing, expression, and way of life.
Supervisors
- Professor Marcia Langton AO Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor
- Professor Shaun Ewen
- Dr Dino Hodge
School
Melbourne School of Population & Global Health