Every June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community. Lifeline H2H is proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community and we strongly embrace the theme of this year’s Sydney Pride Festival: “Be Brave, Be Strong, Be You.”
While Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate progress in terms of civil rights and marriage equality, it’s also important to reflect on the discrimination experienced by LGBTQI+ people in the past and the present, and to acknowledge that there is still much to be done. As Flourish Australia reminds us:
Currently there is a significant gap between LGBTIQ+ mental health outcomes in comparison to the general population.
LGBTIQ+ Australians continue to experience higher psychological distress and significant levels of anxiety as a result of prejudice and discrimination. Research from LGBTIQ+ Australia found 5.2% of LGBT people aged 18 and over reported having attempted suicide in the past 12 months, compared to 1.1% of the general population.
As an inclusive organisation, Lifeline H2H practises respect and acceptance in all our interpersonal interactions, whether it’s within our workforce or among our supporters, clients, customers and help-seekers. We have always and will continue to welcome, value and assist anyone who reaches out to us for support, regardless of who they identify as and who they love.
In recognition of Pride Month, Lifeline H2H held a morning tea in the Gordon office to support true equality and inclusion for all. H2H staff and volunteers shared brightly coloured treats and wore brightly coloured clothes, echoing the bright colours of the rainbow symbol representing the LGBTQI+ Pride movement.