Becoming a Mind Out Champion: A Personal Commitment to LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
As I embark on my journey to become a Mind Out Champion with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, I've reflected on the challenges organisations still face in fostering true inclusion in their workplaces. The training has been eye-opening, highlighting both our progress and the significant work that still lies ahead. The statistics alone are confronting and reinforce the urgency of our mission.
According to recent data:
LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
41.9% of LGBTQ people had considered attempting suicide in the previous 12 months.
74.8% had considered attempting suicide at some point in their lives.
39.5% reported experiencing social exclusion.
Intersex Health Issues
60% of intersex people reported having medical treatment interventions related to their intersex variation.
66% reported experiencing discrimination from strangers based on their intersex variation.
Additional Challenges
34.6% experienced verbal abuse.
3.6% experienced harassment, such as being spat at or receiving offensive gestures.
3.9% were physically attacked or assaulted with a weapon due to their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past 12 months.
11.8% experienced sexual assault.
41.7% of LGBTQ people reported having been in an intimate relationship where they felt abused in some way by their partner(s).
38.5% reported ever feeling abused by a family member.
Substance Abuse
LGBTQIA+ people are twice as likely to use illicit drugs (36% vs. 16%)
20% more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption (35.4% vs. 26.1%)
Daily smoking rates are double that of heterosexuals (16.1% vs. 8.1%)
These figures underscore the need for continued advocacy and action, something I am more committed to than ever through my work with Get Out, and other places of employment.
However, it's hard to ignore the broader context. The past few weeks have been particularly tough for the LGBTQIA+ community, with the commencement of Trump's presidency and his immediate attacks on our rights. While these policies don't directly affect Australia, they send global shockwaves, emboldening those seeking to roll back our progress. We've seen calls from some MPs in Australia to adopt similar discriminatory policies, sparking unnecessary culture wars.
But while we must stay vigilant and fight for our rights, I've also realised the importance of not letting these external forces consume us. In Trump's previous term, I found myself overwhelmed by frustration and anger at the state of the world and I let it affect my mental health. This time, I'm choosing a different approach — focusing on what I can do to make a difference locally. I refuse to give Trump any more space in my head than necessary. Instead, I'm dedicating my energy to creating meaningful change through inclusive programs that tackle loneliness in our community.
Through Get Out, my goal is to create safe, supportive spaces where people can truly connect. While I have big aspirations, I know meaningful change happens one step at a time, so I’ll be rolling out each initiative in stages. As a Mind Out Champion, I’m excited to apply what I learn to strengthen support networks and help build a healthier, more inclusive LGBTQIA+ community.
It's often the little things — like changes in language or a single person speaking up — that can make all the difference. These videos capture these concepts perfectly:
These powerful messages remind us that inclusion isn't just a policy; it's an everyday practice that can transform lives.
I don't know what the future holds, but I'm inspired to continue making a difference where I can. Get Out is moving forward with purpose, and with the support of leading organisations across Australia, I'm confident that we can build something truly special together.