At Your Community Health we firmly believe in equal rights for all. That is why we think that marriage equality in Australia is long overdue.
I am proud to stand next to other Victorian community health organisation’s as we fight against the discrimination that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community faces. In our recent joint announcement we acknowledged the vital role rights and participation play in supporting good health and health equity.
We know that persistent disrespect, prejudice and stressful situations can negatively impact people’s health and wellbeing. I am greatly concerned for the implications that a popular vote on human rights issues may have on LGBTIQ people in our community and across Australia.
We are ready to address these potential impacts and work with individuals to address the personal strain that this unnecessary public debate may have. I appreciate the importance of self-care as you advocate against stigmatisation and discrimination and wish to re-emphasise that our confidential, LGBTIQ-friendly services, including counselling and medical support are available to all.
As always, but especially through this difficult time, Your Community Health extends its full support to the LGBTIQ community. We are passionate about community participation and encourage our clients and supporters to learn about these issues, and the impact that discriminatory behaviour can have on people’s health and wellbeing.