In 2008 workers at YSAS Fitzroy Withdrawal Unit, concerned that gay and lesbian young people weren't accessing drug and alcohol services decided, to take action.
The unit responded by declaring their unit a homophobia and discrimination free zone and hosting the first ever GLBTQI (Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) specialist detox program or ‘GLBTQI Week’.
“The reason we run these specialised programs is because we have identified that marganilised groups throughout Victoria aren’t accessing these sorts of services. Participating in a specialist week gives a young person a sense of what the service can offer and hopefully would allow a young person to feel more comfortable accessing the service in the future.”
It is estimated that 8-11% of young people are same sex attracted or are unsure of their sexual orientation. These young people experience higher rates of mental illness and problematic substance use than their heterosexual peers.
Furthermore, GLBTI young people are far more likely to experience bullying and harassment from other young people and significant adults in their lives, and to be subjected to verbal, sexual, and physical abuse and other forms of trauma. Disengagement from school, homelessness and a reluctance to access mainstream youth support services can be a consequence of this.
Residential Nurse Michelle Mifsud states, ‘GLBTQI young people are less likely to access health services for fear of discrimination and judgment which can cause a deterioration in their mental and physical health.’
During a specialist week, young people have the opportunity to be exposed to support services that they may not otherwise be aware of, receive information about young GLBTQI rights and even attend equal marriage rights rallies.
Hearing from elders in the community about their own struggles with facing homophobia and being encouraged by members of PFLAG have been highlights.
Since 2008, five such weeks have been run and their success prompting other specialty weeks that aim to engage minority groups around Victoria.
To referr a young person to a specialist week contact YSAS Fitzroy Residential Unit directly.
Here are Michelle Mifsud, top tips for making your service more inclusive of GLBTI young people;
- Get informed. Specialist training can greatly enhance an organisations ability to understand the unique needs of GLBTQI young people. The Youth AOD Toolbox has a specialist GLBTQI module.
- Like the Heart Foundation Tick of Approval, organisations can now apply for The Rainbow Tick for GLBTQI inclusive practice.
- Make Gay and Lesbian friendly referrals. The Rainbow Network links to a wealth of resources and organisations anything from a legal service to a youth group or a doctor. They also have a information for services who want to be more inclusive and happily answer e-mail questions.
- Know where to get help. The Switchboard offers free, confidential and anonymous telephone counselling, referral and information service for the Victorian and Tasmanian gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) community and its supporters.
