Stride with Pride with mental wellbeing in mind

The Palaszczuk Government is partnering with Brisbane Pride to shine a light on the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ Queenslanders.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Queensland Health had provided $75,000 to the Brisbane Pride Festival as part of the Mental Wellness Partnerships.

“We’re proud to be the official Mental Wellness partner for Brisbane Pride,” Mr Miles said.

“Obviously mental wellbeing is key to everyone’s health, but we need to highlight its importance to LGBTIQ+ Queenslanders.

“Sadly, people who identify as LGBTIQ+ have poorer mental health outcomes than the rest of the population, including higher rates of suicidal attempts and self-harm.

“We’re very concerned about this gap, which is why we are investing in promoting mental wellbeing through Brisbane Pride.

“I’ll be marching today to show my support for the LGBTIQ+ community and especially our paramedics and Queensland Health staff who are here in uniform today and I urge everyone to join me.”

Member for McConnel Grace Grace, who also marched in the parade, said with the day growing in size, this program could reach a lot of people.

“Brisbane Pride Day is one of my favourite events in my electorate. Every year I’ve seen it grow and it is just so wonderful to see more and more acceptance and support for the LGBTIQ+ community.

“But that doesn’t mean people here today haven’t experienced difficulties in their life and this funding will help Pride to use their growing network to reach out and provide vital mental health support.

“Research shows LGBTIQ+ people are twice as likely as the rest of the population to experience anxiety disorders; three times more likely to experience affective disorders such as depression and social phobias; and five times more likely to experience major depressive episodes.

“Queensland Health is inviting people to visit the Mental Wellness tent at this year’s Fair Day to learn more about mental wellbeing and how they can make time to improve their overall health,” Ms Grace said.

As part of the partnership, Queensland Health will also provide referrals to anyone who feels they need more mental health support.

There will also be Wellbeing Connection points at all major Pride Month events to link mental health and wellbeing activities to relevant community organisations.

The Brisbane Pride Rally and March and Fair Day are being held today at New Farm Park.

For more information on the event, visit https://brisbanepride.org.au/.

For practical ways to look after your mental wellbeing visit https://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/mental-wellbeing.

ENDS

Media contact:          Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903