LGBTI people are less happy and have poorer health than the rest of the Australian population.
I was recently interviewed on 702 ABC Radio about a new survey that has shown some interesting data on the health and happiness of people.
17,000 Australian people were surveyed and the results have shown that Australians living in the bush, and those in childless de facto relationships, are more likely to be happy than those living in metropolitan areas and married with children.
ABC Radio wanted to speak to me specifically about the results that showed LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) people have poorer health and are less happy than the rest of the Australian population.
I’m not surprised by these results because in my work with LGBTI people over the last 13 years, I’ve noticed a range of mental health issues that present for this population.
While things seem to have improved for LGBTI people over time, particularly in large metropolitan areas where young people are often coming out at a younger age, it seems that as you move out of the large cities, issues like homophobia and fear of coming out increase.
Some of the more concerning statistics include:
- 80% of LGBTI people have experienced public insults
- 20% of LGBTI people have experienced explicit threats
- 13% of LGBTI people have experienced physical assaults
And the sad fact is LGBTI people are most at risk at home or school.
It seems we need to do much more to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI people, which includes increasing public awareness about the issues this population faces, as well as making support services more easily available to LGBTI people.
Click here to listen to the interview.
Do you need relationship help?
If you need help with your relationship, contact Clinton Power + Associates on (02) 8968 9323 to discuss your situation and find out how we can help.
Since 2003, Clinton Power has helped thousands of couples and individuals as a counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice in Sydney and online in Australia. Clinton regularly comments in the media on issues of relationships and has appeared on Channel 7, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC Radio. Clinton’s eBook, 31 Days to Build a Better Relationship is available through his website or Amazon. Click here to take Clinton’s relationship checkup quiz to find out how well you know your partner.
