The Hidden Battle: Understanding Loneliness in the LGBTQIA+ Community
Loneliness is a silent struggle faced by many, yet within the LGBTQIA+ community, it can be particularly profound. For years, societal norms and exclusion have driven a wedge between LGBTQIA+ individuals and the support networks that others may take for granted. Studies by the University of Melbourne have shone a light on this issue, revealing that young LGBTQIA+ people report significantly higher rates of loneliness and psychological distress compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
As a gay man, I've been there. I know what it's like to feel isolated, even in a room full of people. This feeling isn't occasional for many in our community — it's a constant companion. This is why Get Out was born. I wanted to create something that addresses this loneliness head-on, offering connection, friendship, and a sense of belonging. This platform is about more than social events; it's about weaving a net strong enough to catch those who feel they might slip through the cracks.
Statistics That Speak
They say you can’t put a price on friendship, but loneliness costs Australians $2.7 billion a year, wreaking havoc on our mental and physical health. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has documented how loneliness can contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, the implications are stark: feelings of loneliness and isolation can exacerbate these conditions, often making everyday life feel insurmountable. According to AIHW, LGBTQIA+ people are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression as their heterosexual peers — a reality largely driven by social exclusion and the absence of supportive spaces.
A Personal Journey to Connection
When I started Get Out, I was motivated by my own journey through isolation and realising how critical genuine connection is for mental well-being. After battling my own demons, I understood that while dating apps serve a purpose, they often fall short in fostering the kind of deep connections many of us crave. Building Get Out is about offering a platform that goes beyond superficial connections, one that genuinely supports its members and celebrates the diversity within our community.
How Get Out is Making a Difference
While we're still in our early days, Get Out's vision is clear: cultivating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and valued. By organising community events, group fitness sessions, and online workshops, we aim to provide social engagement and a foundation for personal growth and self-acceptance.
We recognise that combating loneliness requires more than just providing a space; it means fostering a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and authenticity. Get Out is here to be that catalyst. It's about offering a remedy for loneliness and a proactive approach to building a thriving community where everyone feels they belong.
Looking Forward
Creating real change takes time, and the journey toward building a supportive, inclusive community is just beginning. But with every connection made, every story shared, and every person who feels less alone, we move one step closer to a world where loneliness is no longer a defining feature of the LGBTQIA+ experience. Get Out isn't just an app or a platform; it's a movement to rewrite the narrative of what it means to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Let's make this journey not only possible but transformative — one connection at a time.