NFP e-Book for LGBTQ people

Depression Not for Profit beyondblue has launched an online e-book to help families support young same-sex attracted, bisexual or gender diverse people.

beyondblue says same-sex attracted and bisexual people are up to 14 times more likely to try to take their own lives and three times more likely to develop depression than straight people.

Families Like Mine, a multimedia guide that offers practical advice and guidance, is also aimed at families of young gender diverse people, who experience similarly high levels of psychological distress as their same-sex attracted peers.

The Not for Profit said the guide was developed because research shows that family support can have a significant positive impact on the mental health of young lesbian, gay, bisexual or gender diverse people.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce who is also the beyondblue patron launched the book saying it will help families provide an inclusive environment for these young people.

“This guide will help families understand the impact discrimination can have and underline the importance of acceptance,” she said. “It is tragic that they are at higher risk of mental illness and suicide. However, this guide will boost their wellbeing and help save their lives by ensuring they receive as much support as possible from their families.”

Families Like Mine is free and available from www.beyondblue.org.au and will be distributed to parent groups, school councils and youth organisations across the country.

beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett said the guide will help families of young people who may have recently come out and families that include a young person who is questioning their sexuality or gender identity.

He said it featured video interviews of people talking about their experiences when they came out and interviews with parents talking about their reactions to learning their child was same-sex attracted or gender diverse.

“These stories are incredibly powerful and help make Families Like Mine such a worthwhile guide,” he said.

“It contains answers to many common questions and research-based advice on many topics including communicating, myths and realities and how families can look after themselves if they are struggling.

“This guide is a big step forward in terms of what is available to families of young same-sex attracted or gender diverse people and is the first in Australia with an over-arching mental health focus that aligns with beyondblue’s principles.”

beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell said that aiming the guide at families of same-sex attracted or gender diverse young people helped ensure they received appropriate support as early as possible.

“This gives these young people better odds of not being at risk of developing depression or anxiety,” she said.

“With high rates of psychological distress among same-sex attracted and transgender people, beyondblue identified the need for this guide. We know that discrimination and stigma fuels these high rates but, conversely, we know that acceptance and support can reduce them.

“This is why any family member of a young same-sex attracted or gender diverse person should download and read it.”