LGBTIQ+ health agency ACON have called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to use his office to act in an inclusive manner rather than using stigmatising language to describe gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.
President Dr Justin Koonin and Acting-CEO Karen Price said that today’s front page story in the Daily Telegraph and a social media comments from the Prime Minister made the lives of vulnerable people harder.
The Prime Minister shared a story from The Daily Telegraph which revealed that schools are receiving more requests for specifically trained counselors to deal with transgender students. On his Twitter account Australia’s new leader said “gender whisperers” were not needed in Australian schools.
“While we respect Mr Morrison’s right to hold personal opinions, we would encourage him to use the office of Prime Minister to act in a manner which is inclusive of all Australians, and to refrain from using stigmatising language that makes the lives of vulnerable people harder.” ACON said in a statement.
“The mental health issues for trans and gender diverse people are real and pressing. Data from the National LGBTIQ Health Alliance state that transgender people aged 18 and over are nearly eleven times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population, with 35% of transgender people aged 18 and over have attempted suicide in their lifetime.
“Further, the largest ever study conducted of the mental health and care pathways of trans and gender diverse young people in Australia – the 2017 TransPathways report – states that of 859 young trans and gender diverse respondents aged 14-25, over 70% had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety and almost 80% had self-harmed.
“Young trans and gender diverse respondents further identified some of the key drivers for poor mental health as peer rejection (89%), issues with school, university and/or TAFE (79%) and bullying (74%).
“We understand that the Prime Minister said yesterday on Melbourne radio 3AW that he loves all Australians, that he respects people of all sexualities, all religions and faiths. These are comments that reflect an ambition for a safe and cohesive society for all – where unity is prioritised over division.
“We hope the Prime Minister can take the sentiments he expressed yesterday forward to help build the health, wellbeing, safety and inclusion of all Australians.” the health organsiation said.
Source: Media Release
