Our co-founder and former patron, the late Anne Deveson AO, was one of the first Australian journalists to discuss and support de-criminalisation as early as 1968. She went on to become a Commissioner in the 1977 Royal Commission on Human Relationships, which recommended anti-discrimination provisions to better support the wellbeing of LGBTQI+ community. Anne’s legacy guides and informs our work at SANE.
It is in this spirit that SANE supports our colleagues in the LGBTIQ+ and Health Sectors in calling for marriage equality.
The stats
Research shows that LGBTQI+ people are particularly vulnerable to mental illness and suicide. This increased risk is not related to sexuality, gender identity or intersex characteristics, but is due to the distress that may occur as a result of stigma and discrimination.
Some more statistics:
- LGBTIQ+ individuals are twice as likely to have been diagnosed with a mental disorder in the past year. This equates to 37.1% of the LGBTI population.
- 41.1% of same sex attracted individuals met the criteria for a mental disorder last year.
- LGBTQI+ people aged 16 to 27 are five times more likely to attempt suicide.
- Transgender people over 18 are eleven times more likely to attempt suicide.
- 8% of LGBT young people have attempted suicide (3.2% in general population).
- 19% of intersex individuals have attempted suicide.
Marriage equality makes a difference to the mental health of LGBTQI+ people. Research involving 800,000 young people in the US has shown that suicide attempts dropped 7% following introduction of marriage equality. This means that every year marriage equality laws were in place there were 134,000 less suicide attempts in US.
Behind every statistic is a fellow human being seeking love, acceptance and respect. We honour the strength and resilience of those of us who have survived prejudice and stand proud. We mourn the passing of those no longer with us.
There is clear evidence that marriage equality will reduce the structural stigma and discrimination that the LGBTQI+ community faces, and reduce suicide and mental distress.
SANE supports our health sector colleague’s statements on marriage equality, on the basis that it aligns with our organisational values and is beneficial for people’s mental health and wellbeing. We value respect, and always seek to treat people with grace and dignity.
We are committed to reducing suicide and improving mental health and wellbeing for all 4 million Australians affected by complex mental illness. Ensuring marriage equality for all will make a difference in addressing this challenge.
Jack Heath
CEO SANE
How to look after yourself
We know that discussion on the postal survey can be distressing. If you need help and support you can:
- Check out our factsheets and guides on mental illness
- Read our post on coping with distressing news events
- Chat to other LGBTQI+ people on SANE Forums
- Contact QLife, the national peer supported telephone and web based service for LGBTI people. QLife provides a place to talk about mental health, relationships, isolation, coming out and other concerns.
You can call QLife on 1800 184 527 between 3pm and midnight, or use their online chat service.
SANE stands with our colleagues in the health sector in the United Statement on Marriage Equality. We call on the Federal Government to legislate for marriage equality and put an end to marriage discrimination.
