What's this all about?
Check out the video the lowdown on WIPD.
Why do we celebrate days like Wear it Purple Day?
Even though there is an increasing acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people in society and greater visibility in the media and public life, many LGBTIQ+ people still experience discrimination, harassment and violence at work, school and in social situations.
Discrimination can take the form of:
obvious acts of prejudice and discrimination (e.g. someone who is open about being transgender being refused employment or promotion)
more subtle, but no less harmful, discrimination that reinforces negative stereotypes and feelings of difference (e.g. use of the word 'gay' as a derogatory term).
Imagine being made to feel bad, just for being yourself.
What does the research say?
There is much research detailing the high levels of discrimination and high levels of verbal and physical homophobic and transphobic abuse experienced by LGBTIQA+ young people in Australian educational settings, particularly in secondary schools. These studies found that school was the place these young people were most likely to experience this abuse and discrimination. Young people in discriminatory or unsupportive educational environments were found to have poorer educational outcomes, including being unable to concentrate in class, having their marks drop, or leaving school altogether . Participants with unsupportive classmates are more likely to move schools, miss classes, hide at recess or lunch, not use the change rooms, and drop out of extra-curricular activities.
Conversely, educational settings which are affirming and supportive of LGBTIQA+ young people had a positive impact on the mental health, connectedness and educational outcomes of this group of young people. Supportive classmates are a key protective factor for LGBTIQA+ students.
Although many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer people and other sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTIQ+) people live healthy and happy lives, research has demonstrated that a disproportionate number experience poorer mental health outcomes and have higher risk of suicidal behaviours than their peers. These health outcomes are directly related to experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination and abuse on the basis of being LGBTIQ+.
Compared to the general population, LGBTIQ+ people are more likely to attempt suicide, specifically:
LGBTQA+ young people aged 16 to 17 were almost three times more likely to have attempted suicide in the past 12 months
LGBTQA+ young people aged 16 to 17 were almost five times more likely to have attempted suicide in their lifetime
LGTQIA+ young people are at least twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to experience homelessness and are more likely to experience homelessness at a younger age. Sadly the main reason cited for homelessness among queer youth is ‘running away’ due to rejection and fear of reprisal or being kicked out of home.