Brody's Scribbles... Australian Minister for Mental Health Lisa Neville Calls For Public Awareness & Support for Victoria’s LGBT Community

Minister for Mental Health, Community Services and Senior Victorians, Member for Bellarine: Lisa Neville 
Photo By The Geelong Advertiser News, Victoria, Australia                                                                                        

By Brody Levesque (Bethesda, Maryland) Oct 17 | Here is a refreshing change of attitude by Victoria's MP and Minister for Mental Health, Lisa Neville. In an announcement made in recognition of Mental Health week, October 11th through 17th, the Minister called on fellow Australians to reflect on how the community treated others in society generally and to recognise that some members were more vulnerable than others. With emphasis on the LGBT community, she stated;

“We know that many Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex people live successful, supported and positive lives. Being GLBTI is not a risk factor for poor mental health, but there is a significant body of research that links this community’s experience of discrimination and abuse to a higher risk of anxiety, depression, self harm and drug and alcohol misuse. Same sex-attracted youth are vulnerable to homophobic abuse, which in turn is related to high rates of self harm, problematic substance use, suicide, depression and anxiety. Other young people who are ‘out’ are also vulnerable to mental health problems due to discrimination, harassment and bullying. This can lead to early school leaving and, in some cases, being rejected from families and home. Research also shows that GLBTI people can face additional stress at life transition points.”

Minister Neville also announced new funding of $30,000 for the WayOut support service, which works among young Gay Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex community members in rural Victoria.  

“The work carried out by WayOut, which is aligned with Cobaw Community Health at Kyneton, provides young GLBTI people with support if they are experiencing discrimination which may place them at higher risk for mental health problems,” she said.

The Department of Health is also undertaking work to improve the education and training of mental health professionals and agencies about GLBTI mental health. 

“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to providing support to our vulnerable community members and that’s why we are taking action to ensure these young Victorians can have a better future,” Ms Neville said.

WayOut co-ordinator Sue Hackney said that she had lobbied unsuccessfully for increased funding over the previous seven years. The recurrent $30,000 annual funding will improve WayOut’s capacity to help young GLBTI people and tackle homophobia in rural areas.

"Because there's less visibility of adult gay and lesbian role models in their community they can feel like they're the proverbial 'only gay in the village'," she said.

Neville’s decision also follows sustained criticism from gay activist Rob Mitchell who recently critised the Minister for not doing enough to support GLBTI mental health initiatives. Mitchell, who is on the State Government's ministerial steering committee for governance and inclusion, said the issue was "screaming out for attention".

"Why are they ignoring this area?" Mr Mitchell had asked. "It can't be because the research tells them they don't need to do anything because it does, so the only reason I can think of is for some perceived political reason. How is there a political risk in stopping same-sex-attracted kids killing themselves?"

In a final comment from the Minister,  Neville stated:

“As a community we all need to take action and ensure that we support and in fact embrace the wonderful diversity among our society.”