The plebiscite & its impact on young people/families

[Sophie-RO]

The plebiscite is on our minds here at ReachOut, we want to improve and protect young people's mental health, and the plebiscite has the potential to do the opposite.. I've been reading articles about the potential impact of this public debate & vote on human rights, and the impact on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer young people and families... Like:

Mental health implication of a plebiscite on marriage equality

Spike in demand for mental health support for young people in wake of Safe Schools review & plebisci...

Have you talked about it in your families? We're keen to hear ideas on how we can prepare and empower LGBTIQ+ young people and rainbow families through this... Tell us your thoughts

[readthemanual]

I am very aware of LGBTIQ community and young people who are more vulnerable. My heart goes out for those who struggled to come to terms with themselves and their loved ones. However, I also understand why some people are fearful about the Safe School Coalision and marriage equality. I followed one recent community debate on the SSC, one key conflict is people's fear/ (more than hatred) of the 'promotion' of LGBTIQ which might 'have detrimental effects on human productivity'. I think we need more dialogues.

[Sophie-RO]

So what might be some ideas on how to support young people through these public conversations debating their human rights?

[Mitzi]

I'm lucky. My son has been aware of LGBTIQ+ from an early age. His godfather is gay; he attends a school which is part of the Safe Schools Coalition. He has classes with young people who are openly gay and no-one thinks anything of it.

My son wonders why we even need a plebiscite on this issue. He asks why can't people marry a person they love regardless of gender. He wants to know why we are wasting all this time and money even discussing it. 

So then I have to tell him that not everyone thinks the way he thinks. 

[Sophie-RO]

Thats great @Mitzi, love to hear your son's perspective on it.....

I get his train of thought 100%!!