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The queer collective at Bendigo’s La Trobe University campus has won state government funding to provide mental health support to LGBTI students.
The Rainbows Eagles were awarded $4700 from the latest round of HEY Project grants, which fund mental health and community engagement activities for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people.
The Queer Peers program will work alongside other central Victorian services headspace, VACountry and WayOut to provide a listening post for LGBTI battling mental health woes.
Club president Jess Panczel said talking with their peers allowed LGBTI people to “let down their guard”.
“I think it’s nice to be surrounded by people who are like you. You don’t feel like you have to educate anyone because they understand,” she said.
“It gives you a sense of belonging."
Mental health concerns were compounded for LGBTI people living in regional and rural locations, Ms Panzcel said, explaining not only were there fewer support services, but attitudes about sexuality were less progressive.
“There’s still a lot of negative attitudes towards people who are different,” she believed.
National LGBTI Health Alliance statistics estimate queer people aged 16 to 27 are five times more likely to attempt suicide than the cisgendered, heterosexual peers.
Transgender people are 11 times more likely to attempt taking their own life.
La Trobe University already employs an LGBTI counsellor at each of its three Victorian locations.
In Bendigo, that counsellor is Lachlan Slade.
He said the service was in demand among young people who experienced homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Mr Slade said Queer Peers would formalise supports friends already have to one another, while offer an helping hand to those who did not know where to reach out.
The funding announcement comes just days after the state government cancelled La Trobe University’s involvement in the Safe School Coalition.
Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan said she was proud her government could financially back projects for the vulnerable community.
“HEY grants help promote the importance of embracing diversity within our community,” she said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a difficult time, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, dial 000.