Startling figures lead to search forum

Julian Punch MR

Young Tasmanian gay and bisexual men are two and a half times more likely to seriously consider suicide than their heterosexual peers.
MEDIA RELEASE
STARTLING FIGURES LEAD TO SEARCH FORUM

It is a sad fact, given Tasmania’s progressive anti-discrimination laws, that rural same-sex-attracted young people (SSAYP) are six times more likely to attempt suicide than the population as a whole*.

Young Tasmanian gay and bisexual men are two and a half times more likely to seriously consider suicide than their heterosexual peers.

These truths, coupled with the 46% of 14-18 year old same sex attracted people in three Tasmanian high schools who have experienced assault based on sexual orientation, have led to the organisation by the Coming Out Proud Program (COPP) of a Search Forum, to be opened by Ms Lisa Singh, Member for Denison, and which will be facilitated by Connie Adams of Life Line International.

The Forum, which will take place on July 22 at Kingston, 4.00 – 6.30PM at ‘Yspace’ (Kingston Youth Centre) 98 Beach Road, Kingston will include representatives from Tasmanian public and private high schools and colleges, state and local government, support services, youth groups, GPs and members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities.

Discussion will revolve around ways in which to collaboratively assist in eliminating homophobic and other minority group bullying and intimidation. Government silos that restrict the collaborative efforts of communities in finding solutions will also receive attention.

Tasmanian COPP State Steering Committee Member, Mr. Julian Punch, said, “Communities are the most important frontier in achieving cultural change that recognises and celebrates diversity in the fight against social exclusion. Homophobia, racism and discrimination of all kinds is the proven significant cause of self harm and suicide amongst minority groups.”

COPP exists to provide strategies that will enable GLBTI people in each region of the state to “come out with pride” and live in their community with dignity, as fully respected and participating members.

(*Quinn, K., Rural Youth and Same Sex Attracted Youth: Issues, Interventions and Implications for Rural Counsellors. Rural and Remote Health. 2003 Vol 3.)

Julian Punch
Coming Out Proud Program
Email julian@logtas.org

WEB www.comingoutproud.org