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Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Many lesbian, gay, bi, queer, trans and intersex (LGBTQIA+) community members live fulfilling and functional lives ❤️💛💚💙💜 However, studies have found that those in the LGBTQIA+ community face up to twice as much abuse or violence (including physical, mental, sexual or emotional) than their heterosexual counterparts. There is a cumulutive affect which increases the risk of mental health issues on top of social, environmental and psychological factors which can lead to an increase in both depression and anxiety.



Despite this, there are options for LGBTQIA+ people as well as supportive communities (such as our forum) who are here to hold space and advocate for non-heterosexual people as they need. Please join myself and our wonderful forum moderator & SANE Help Centre counsellor @Jynx as we discuss issues surrounding mental health and LGBTQIA+. We look forward to hearing all of your insight and coming up with some ideas on how to tackle stigma in the process

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The event runs from 7pm - 8.30pm AEST on the 25th of August. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

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Throughout the session, the facilitator will post questions for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the event, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong, and everyone is welcome to get involved!

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117 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

@Former-Member perhaps you would consider starting a LBGTI thread? you could call it something like LBGTI chat thread or something similar or im happy to start it for you and tag those who might be interested to get the ball rolling

In response to: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

I am so sorry all we are very close to wrapping (in about ten mins!)

So I want to quickly throw out our final question tonight

@outlander @eth @Former-Member @NatureLover @Adge and others...

For those who are affected by LGBTQIA+ issues or are caring for someone affected, what are some options for support?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST


@Fluttershy1 wrote:

@Jynx - I just keep to myself about it.
I don't really open up about it that much.


Sorry I missed this earlier but stick around we'll be chucking up some resources near the end. I hope this changes for you one day and you get to be unapologetically you.

Also welcome @outlander! Good to have you here

In response to: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

@Jynx and everyone,

Definetly don't want to focus on one bad egg but just remembered it now...I ended up somehow getting into an argument w a cis gay man because he felt marriage equality wasn't "as important an issue" to bi/pansexuals as they have a "choice of who they marry" which...just mindblown...as if I would ever go ok well I do love this person but screw it, straight wedding seems easier, who's available..

Mergh.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

@outlander and @Former-Member this is a brilliant idea. This can happen whenever you want too! Cannot wait to see what you both come up with if you do go ahead, please tag me and I will jump in as well 🙂 Lovely

Would recommend LGBTQIA+, I learnt today (thanks to our wonderful @Jynx who educated me) that is the most inclusive acronym

In response to: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

@Former-Member you might not see this til tomorrow, but please reach out to me any time. I'm not on the forums every day but will always reply if you tag me somewhere. Happy to support you in any way I can.

@outlander Hi!!!

In response to: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

I feel uncomfortable about the autism - gender discussion. There are a lot of things 'I don't get'.
@Jynx I hate labels and would like people to accept me as I am, questioning why I have to adapt, but I like boxes even if I struggle to put myself in one. I'm learning that there are things outside boxes, not only black & white, not only straight lines... life doesn't really work for me if I can't put it into an equation, but I'm learning.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST


For those who are affected by LGBTQIA+ issues or are caring for someone affected, what are some options for support?


In my experience, the best way to find support is to find community. There's heaps of groups on facebook if you're comfortable with that platform, and sounds like we might be getting a sweet little spot of our own right here on the forums.

Remember you're not alone!!

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

thanks @Former-Member @Jynx
i identify as Female, but i honestly dont think i need a 'label' as to what my sexuality is. i also dont like to judge others for what they might be either as everyone is different. That seems to be a big part of mental health-unacceptance- if we all just accepted each other and out differences then the world would be much better i think


In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // LGBTQIA+ & Mental Health // Tues 29th September, 7-8:30PM AEST

if anyone needs support or anyone to talk to a helpline i found helpful previously is called QLife. they are an anonymous helpline so you can talk without disclosing anything personal like name

https://www.qlife.org.au/
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