The Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) Survey is the longest running periodic survey of LBQ+ women’s health!
SWASH has been surveying cis and trans LBQ+ women about their health since 1996 — so this year marks our 30th anniversary.
The survey is conducted every two years through a partnership between ACON and University of Sydney researchers. The data collected helps us better understand the health and wellbeing of LBQ+ women in NSW.
“SWASH is really important as a way to tell ACON about the health needs of lesbian, bisexual and queer women, for generating evidence for action,” says Associate Professor Julie Mooney-Somers from the Sydney School of Public Health.
SWASH findings directly inform ACON’s programs, services and campaigns, as well as broader policy and community initiatives.
“SWASH is more than a survey — it’s the shared history of our community’s health, documenting how cis and trans lesbian, bisexual and queer women’s lives have changed over the past 30 years,” explains Lee Wang, ACON LGBTQ+ Women’s Health Programs Team Leader.
WHAT DOES THE SURVEY COVER?
Topics include:
- sexual and reproductive health
- safe sex practices
- tobacco, alcohol and drug use
- cancer, HIV and STI screening
- mental health
- intimate partner violence
- and more
All responses are anonymous.
WHO CAN TAKE PART?
Participants must be:
- aged 18+
- someone who identifies as a woman (whether all or part of your gender identity)
- someone who identifies as lesbian, bisexual, queer (LBQ+) or otherwise non‑heterosexual
- located in or visiting the Sydney Metropolitan region during Mardi Gras 2026
Your voice matters!
Take 10-15 minutes to complete your survey and be part of the SWASH legacy!
SURVEY LINK: acon.org.au/SWASH
The survey is open until 13 March 2026.
