Late last month Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) launched a new position statement on self-harm and attempted suicide within the GLBT community, drawing on research collected over the last decade.
The position statement outlines alarmingly high levels of self-harm and suicide attempts among GLBT people.
‘We know that same sex attracted individuals attempt suicide at a rate of 3.5 to 14 times those of their heterosexual peers, and that one in five transgender people report current suicidal feelings,’ said SPA chairperson, Dr Michael Dudley.
‘These alarming statistics show us that we must work harder as a community to value ALL people and their quality of life.’
According to the statement, research has shown a direct association between discrimination and many of the key risk factors for suicide and self-harm.
Figures outlined in the statement show 80 percent of GLBT Australians have experienced public insult, 70 percent verbal abuse and 13 percent physical assault, indicating that discrimination against GLBT people is still a concern, particularly in schools and rural areas.
Titled Suicide and self-harm amongst Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Communities, the position statement was officially launched by retired High Court Justice, The Honorable Michael Kirby.
‘There is no excuse, whether heterosexual or gay, to avoid our obligation to try to eradicate this discrimination and injustice,’ he said.
‘Heterosexuals and GLBT individuals and communities must work together to build strategies that actively address heterosexism, and promote inclusive, safe and supportive environments are therefore critical to suicide and self-harm prevention for GLBT communities.’
The position statement includes a clear set of guiding principals and recommendations for action and change.
SPA hopes that it will assist government and health organisations improve their responses to issues of suicide and self-harm in GLBT communities.
Suicide and self-harm amongst Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Communities can be viewed in full at www.suicidepreventionaust.org/PositionStatements.aspx
Other useful services:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au
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