Coming out about youth suicide
"I didn't have to pretend anymore, I could be who I am"
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people are 13 times more likely to suicide and self harm than their peers as a result of experiencing homophobia, discrimination, prejudice and isolation. A new Youth Suicide Prevention program funded by the Department of Communities aims to bring people together and counter the problem.
It's easier to live in the city than in a small country town says Joel Gander, a young gay man who, at 16, moved to Brisbane after enduring constant bullying and the threat of physical violence every day at school. "I hated going to school, it wasn't safe for me," Joel says. "Someone was always calling me a fag and threatening to bash me up."
Through word of mouth Joel found his way to the Open Doors Youth Service in Brisbane where he met people from different backgrounds and experienced a strong sense of belonging. "I didn't have to pretend anymore, I could be who I am," Joel says.
Open Doors LGBT Suicide Prevention project worker Sally Morris says school can be an unsafe place for students who are attracted to the same sex. "When you are different it can be very traumatic," Sally says. "Young people feel isolated and fearful about what their sexuality will mean for them, their family, their friends, their religious beliefs and culture."Homophobia and isolation can lead to feelings of hopelessness and some kids start to believe they are better off dead than gay because the consequences of being gay are too huge. It's important to give LGBT young people the message that they aren't alone, even though at times it might feel like it. There are LGBT young people in every community, sometimes it's just hard to see them."
The isolation and lack of positive role models is particularly evident in rural and regional areas due to the lack of services. The Department of Communities is funding an LGBT Suicide Prevention Project to train service providers in regional Queensland about the specific needs and experiences of young LGBT people — including how to recognise and respond competently to suicide and self harm risk and to implement suicide prevention strategies.
The project is currently targeting Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Longreach and Goondiwindi. Young LGBT people and their families can visit the Open Doors website or call 07 3257 7660 to find out about resources and services in their area that can help them feel safe and comfortable with who they are.