A new study has found nearly 80 per cent of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Australians have suffered intense anxiety in the past year, and nearly half hid their sexuality or gender identity in a range of situations for fear of heterosexist violence or discrimination. La Trobe University and Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria surveyed more than 4,000 people, and found some would even hide their sexuality from their doctors. While three-quarters of participants in the national survey had a regular GP, fewer than 70 per cent said their GP knew their sexuality. Participants ranged in age from 16 to 89, and young people aged 16 to 24 were more likely than any other age group to hide their sexuality or gender identity. La Trobe University research fellow Liam Leonard said the results showed glbt people suffered poorer mental health than the broader population. "The most common health conditions among participants were depression and anxiety/nervous disorders.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 4th April 2012 - 8:58am