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

Thanks @Jynx

Yes, in my short time with a Trans group - they were very welcoming & accepting.

Lovely of you to share that.

Adge

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Since marriage equality in Australia, many people are not aware there are still issues the LGBTQIA+ community faces in terms of stigma. Can anyone think of or share some examples of issues LGBTQIA+ folk, (or other minorities) have to contend with that the rest of society does not?

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Marriage equality was a victory, but it was only the first step. Our community still faces a lot of stigma, discrimination, exclusion, and violence. Visibility and acceptance is also still a huge issue – especially for trans and gender diverse people, those on the aromantic/asexual spectrum, and those who are intersex.

For example, because cisgender-heteronormativity is still considered the ‘norm’, LGBTQAI+ folk still have to go through the motions of ‘coming out’. This process is often associated with being proud and happy in who you are, but not many talk about how much fear and anxiety revolves around it as well. You never know which of your friends or family you might lose.

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@Former-Member wrote:

Will say though in terms of sexuality it's been a positive journey, I actually got "threatened" about being outed as a lesbian when I was younger and was petrified about it...now I honestly think I'd just laugh in their face but I do remember feeling very concerned about fitting in before I had a better idea that people identify in so many different ways - hopefully it's better for kids these days

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Funny story - I was called a lesbian by a bully in year 2. I remember that even though I was only a wee thing, I still recall feeling insulted. I know now that that feeling was all to do with how we're socialised, but it still meant that when I came out in year 10, I was petrified.

@Former-Member

I'm actually doing a cert in education support, so hopefully will get to work w kids and see how things have changed since my day.

Just a thought but I think maybe one part of why I don't feel a strong gender identity is that it's not being recognised from the outside anyways...as someone who enjoys a very minimal, basic wardrobe I don't really dress femme or more queerlooking from day to day, it's always just a bit meh acceptable looking haha.

So true @Jynx @Adge about the extremes some idiots (for want of a stronger word) will go to to ostracize, stigmatize and hurt anyone who is not heteronormative (cis-het).

Don't even start me about the challenges my adult child has been through due to bathroom labels and choices. In a way, sad to say, it's lucky they can legitimately use the disabled loos. It's a bl00xy minefield.

@Former-Member

The marriage equality law hasn't changed the homophobic misogynists around me and I think the discussions actually brought out their entrenched beliefs even more.

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@Fluttershy1 wrote:

@Jynx - I feel so guilty for being non binary and not being able to come out to my family because I know they won't accept me for being non binary and being bisexual.....

I'm afraid of telling anyone who I actually am because I have a feeling they will judge me for who I am...

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It's a feeling that many of us in the queer community know all too well - you're not alone @Fluttershy1. Do what you need to do to stay safe, take this journey at your own pace, and know that the queer community is here to support you. We are our own family sometimes

@Jynx

The circumstance I was being threatened in was also almost comically bizarre...I like to retell this just for how random it is but I was the "vice president" of my primary school "lesbian club" - we just told naughty stories and made out..and every girl in my class was in it haha!

Clearly I was the more passionate maker-outer so afterwards came the threat...

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

@Former-Member @Jynx and everyone... there are so many challenges and battles yet to be won when it comes to legal documentation language - e.g. birth certificates that say 'parent' rather than mother/father, legal ID such as drivers licences still only having m/f options etc etc. Some states are more advanced with it than others. That's why some people choose to live in the ACT for example.