Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Margot]

In case you missed it, today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia 🌈 It's an important day to raise awareness about the wellbeing issues faced by sexuality and gender diverse communities.

On May 17, 1990, the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization approved the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD 10), which no longer listed homosexuality as a diagnosis. International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Launched in 2004 to celebrate LGBTIQ people globally.

Some stats...

75% Of LGBTIQ youth experience some form of discrimination.

24.4% Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual people experience depression

36.2% Of Trans Australians experience depression

Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia can occur online, face to face and affect everyone by creating spaces where people feel unsafe and like they can't be themselves. Sexuality and gender identity or intersex status aren't always visible, so creating a culture where everyone feels safe, even if there aren't any visible LGBTI people is even more important.

For more information on the IDAHOBIT, you can check out their website here. If you identify as part of the sexuality and gender diverse community and would like to chat with a counsellor about your expereince, you can contact Qlife here

It got me thinking about the expereinces of our online community. How can we create a welcoming and inclusive space for our sexuality and gender diverse members?