LGBTI people celebrated for Coming Out Day

To mark the occasion yesterday, youth mental health organisation headspace Bendigo and LGBTI support initiative VACountry released a video in which local young people shared their experiences of coming out.

The video was driven by members of headspace Bendigo’s diversity group, who decided on the questions asked and answered, filmed and edited it, with the support of VACountry program co-ordinator Harry McAnulty and Millee Rice from headspace.

 Mr McAnulty said it was "very powerful" for people who were perhaps questioning their sexuality or their gender identity, or for those who were unable or uncomfortable coming out, to hear from others about their experiences and where they could get support.

The video also promoted a positive image of young LGBTI people, he said.

Mr McAnulty believes National Coming Out Day is important for a number of reasons, the first being visibility for the LGBTI community. 

He said it was also important because it gave young LGBTI people and those who had not yet come out the opportunity to see positive stories and portrayals of other LGBTI people.

Mr McAnulty said coming out was a very individual experience and for some it was very positive, whereas for others it was more difficult.

He said homophobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination and stigma led some people to choose not to come out, as it was not safe or the right time for them.

While most LGBTI people lived happy, healthy lives, the LGBTI community is disproportionately affected by poorer health outcomes than the non-LGBTI community, particular in regards to mental health.

"Homophobia and transphobia are very real things that affect people on a daily basis," Mr McAnulty said.

He said young people should reach out to organisations like headspace to be supported during difficult times.

If you are a young person and need support in the Bendigo area contact headspace Bendigo on 5434 5345, or for national support call Qlife on 1800 184 527.