I’d like to say that I came up with a really clever answer when I was asked to write about what ‘living proud’ meant to me. Instead I thought of cats, specifically lions. Because lions live in prides, so they know all about living proud, right? But did you know that lions are the only cat species that form social groups, and that all other cats are lone hunters? I didn’t, and it got me to thinking about one of the huge strengths that has allowed LGBTI people not only to survive, but to thrive – our own ‘prides’. Whether or not you identify with an LGBTI community, there is an extraordinary and vast network within your reach, of people who have (re)created their own lives, families, friendships and futures, often in the face of adversity. That, to me, is a pretty special thing. I mean, which other community brings people from all walks of life together on commonalities of love and being true to who you are? (I bet some of you won’t even judge me for the terrible feline analogies).
Living Proud is also the name we’ve selected for the new project coordinated by GLCS as part of the OneLife WA Suicide Prevention Strategy. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Australia, and it is estimated that more Australians die by suicide each year than in motor vehicle accidents. Living Proud is a call to action for the LGBTI community and our allies to unite together to address the factors that place LGBTI people at risk of suicide. Although this is a complex issue, there are things we can all do to help keep ourselves and each other safe, like looking out for each other and talking to someone we trust.
There are many varied ways you will be able to get involved in the Living Proud project, so watch this space! We will be launching the Living Proud project and website on Monday 23rd July at the Freedom Centre (93 Brisbane Street, Perth) from 6pm to 8:30pm. Join us for light refreshments and to hear from our guest speakers, who will talk about what living proud means to them.
For more information on the project or how to get involved, email me at community@glcs.org.au. I promise not to talk about cats.
If you need support for yourself or a friend, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or talk to your doctor or local health professional.
Tamara Bézu
Community Coordinator
LGBTI Suicide Prevention Strategy, Gay and Lesbian Community Services
