New research into LGBT Irish citizens has suggested that over 80% have experiences homophobic abuse, and one in five have attempted suicide. The research is the largest study ever attempted into the lives of the mental health of Ireland's LGBT people. 25% of the over 1,100 online respondents said they had been punched, kicked or beaten in homophobic attacks, and 20% had wagged school because of bullying behavious by other students. It highlighted the negative effects of stigmatisation, harassment and discrimination – dubbed 'Minority Stress'. The study confirmed a statement made by Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, at the International Association of Suicide Prevention XXIV Biennial Conference in 2007. "Although Ireland is making considerable progress in developing a culture of genuine equality, recognition and acceptance of gay men and women, there is still an undercurrent of both bias and hostility which young gay people must find deeply hurtful and inhibiting," she said. "For them, homosexuality is a discovery, not a decision and for many it is a discovery which is made against a backdrop where, within their immediate circle of family and friends as well as the wider society, they have long encountered anti-gay attitudes which will do little to help them deal openly and healthily with their own sexuality. "There are things we need to do and to be vigilant about as a community that cares about its citizens and especially its vulnerable young. Among the things we could do as individuals, as families and as community that would impact significantly on our suicide statistics and indeed our overall mental health are… we could and should decommission attitudes that encourage bullying of all sorts and in particular attitudes that are deeply hurtful to those who are homosexual." The full report can be accessed from the BeLonGTo website, on the top link below.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 3rd February 2009 - 9:56pm