Youth want space for change
Australian youth mental health organisation headspace is lending its voice to calls for marriage equality.
Quoting new research by La Trobe Univeristy last week, Headspace chief executive Chris Tanti said the ban on same-sex marriage in Australia is having an impact on young people, including linking in to depression and suicide among same sex attracted young people.
“Responses from over 3000 young people in La Trobe University’s Writing Themselves In 3 report indicate that it’s discrimination like this that perpetuates feelings of isolation and leads to poorer mental health outcomes,” Tanti said.
“We want to see an end to the unnecessary stigma and isolation another generation of young Australians could face because of this inequality.”
Headspace is now calling on youth from around the country to have their say on the issue and asking young people to share their stories, experiences and views by emailing [email protected].
Submissions will be collected and presented to Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
A recent Galaxy poll showed 80 percent of Australians aged between 18 and 24 years support same-sex marriage and a further 72 percent of households with children aged under 18 were also in favour.
info: headspace offers gay-friendly youth support services. Visit headspace.org.au if you or someone you know needs help.
