(Transcript from World News Australia Radio)
Mental health advocate Beyond Blue has put together a multimedia e-book called Families Like Mine.
It's informed by research showing family support can have a significant impact on the mental health of young lesbian, gay, bisexual or gender-diverse people.
And as Greg Dyett reports, Ms Bryce noted these young people are known to have higher rates of depression and be more likely to take their own lives than heterosexual people.
(Click on audio tab above to hear full item)
"The suffering of higher rates of depression and anxiety than our general population has and, tragically, higher rates of suicidal behaviour and ideation. LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) young Australians may be up to six times more likely to try to take their own life, so overwhelming the feelings of stigma and isolation can be. and those in rural areas can be a particular risk."
Just days after endorsing same-sex marriage and an Australian Republic, the Governor General launched the online resource aimed at helping families whose children are same-sex attracted, bisexual or gender-diverse.
Quentin Bryce, who is the patron of Beyond Blue, has faced criticism for expressing her personal views while carrying out the role as Queen Elizabeth the Second's representative in Australia.
But Beyond Blue chairman Jeff Kennett says the Governor General's input is welcome.
"So many in the LGBTI community are lonely, are depressed. On a per capital basis their suicidal rate is higher than other communities, not because they're gay, it's because of the discrimination the non-gays direct in their attention so if we can address discrimination - and that's what the Governor General was on about today and last week - yes, I know some people are offended but again I put to you back, ten years ago we weren't even talking about these issues. Today, we have a Governor-General launching a program to assist families of those who are gay. What an extraordinary advance we've made in terms of being a civil community. No, I don't think she's wrong at all."
Watch: Beyond Blue unveils gender diverse e-book, NITV News reports
AFL footballer Brock McLean has given his backing to the Families Like Mine e-book.
The Carlton footballer has been speaking out about homophobia on the football field this year after he witnessed the difficulties his sister experienced when she had to come to terms with her same-sex attraction.
McLean says the fact that so few elite sports people have come out speaks volumes about Australia.
"I think it says that we are part of a homophobic society and that we aren't as accepting as we should be and there are still a lot of people out there that discriminate against gay people."
But he's quick to stress that there is a move away from this beginning to come from international sporting figures.
"We've got some good examples though now to look at: look at (US footballer) Robbie Rogers who came out last year, he had to step away from the game to come out but you know he's now back playing in the MLS (Major League Soccer), he's been really well received, he's got a lot of support. Jason Collins in the NBA: the amount of support and love he was showed by the American community and the worldwide community. So I think we are starting to see a lot more good examples which can only be a beneficial thing for anyone, any sports star who hasn't told anyone about his sexuality yet but he's got some good examples to look at now."
The Families Like Mine e-book is a free resource available from Beyond Blue.
It will be distributed to schools, parent groups and youth organisations across Australia.
Share
