New gay suicide prevention position welcomed

TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP / WORKING IT OUT

Media Release
Monday December 13th 2010

NEW GAY SUICIDE PREVENTION POSITION WELCOMED

Tasmania’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community groups have welcomed the announcement of an LGBTI suicide prevention project officer to work specifically with the community.

Health Minister, Michelle O’Byrne, made the announcement on Friday as part of the state’s first suicide prevention strategy which acknowledges LGBTI people as one of six high risk groups.

Working It Out executive officer, Susan Ditter, said that prejudice and discrimination contributes to a higher rate of suicide and self-harm among LGBTI people.

“WIO counsels and supports many LGBTI people whose experience of discrimination, stigma and prejudice has meant they have seriously considered ending their lives”, Ms Ditter said.

“One of the greatest concerns of parents of children who come out is suicide caused by discrimination.”

“Government funding for a project officer to work with the community to is an important step towards reducing suicide and self-harm among LGBTI people.”

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, praised the Tasmanian Government for listening to the needs of LGBTI people and their families.

“No LGBTI Tasmanian should experience such hatred, rejection and loneliness that they feel their only option is to commit suicide”, Mr Croome said.

“When an LGBTI person takes their own life it leaves a gap in families and communities that can never be filled.”

“The Tasmanian Government has done the right thing by acknowledging and acting to reduce LGBTI suicide.”

The newly-announced position is understood to be the first of its kind in Australia.

A copy of the Tasmanian Government’s statement can be found by visiting:
http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=31214

Susan Ditter