Forum to help LGBT community
Benjamin Law to be key speaker at Lifefline event later this year
MEMBERS of the LGBTI+ community are more likely to die by suicide than any other group in Australia.
It was that startling statistic from the National LGBTI Health Alliance that led Lifeline Darling Downs to act.
On May 18, the mental health organisation will host a forum all about the support services available to LGBTI+ people in the community.
Lifeline Darling Downs CEO Derek Tuffield said the event was about increasing awareness and understanding of issues facing the LGTBI+ community in Toowoomba and Australia.
“We’re a very conservative community (here in Toowoomba), but this is about understanding suicide rates in the LGBTI+ community are the highest in Australia, we need to have a discussion about what services are available, where people can go for help for issues for a very large community,” Mr Tuffield said.
The forum will include guest speakers such as author Benjamin Law.
Mr Tuffield launched the forum, along with Empire Theatre general manager Kerry Saul, by trying on the red boots from the theatre’s production of Kinky Boots yesterday.
“With the upcoming production of Kinky Boots, it is the perfect time to launch Rainbow Connections,” Mr Tuffield said. “Kinky Boots is all about love, acceptance and not judging someone. This event is about promoting inclusion and acceptance and helping to alleviate the challenges faced by the LGBTI+ community.”
If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
If it is an emergency please call 000.