YOUNG AND GAY

[Grazee]

I was talking to my doctor about the difficulties of being gay and he commented that, in his inner city practice he had many young gay patients who presumably didn't have any problems being gay. I was going to be cheeky and ask 'then why are they a patient?' but I shut my gob before I asked such a question. But I became curious about his comment and thought I'd ask young gay guys if being gay has become easier.

I'm talking about how the outside hetro world treats young gay guys these days. Is it easier fellas?

[Gruffudd]

It's a good question and the answers I get are yes, and no.

We are 30 years on from the changing of laws in most of the states except Tasmania. So much has changed in that time, just look at what information is available on the internet, the conversations we have, and that there are healthy LGBTI characters turning up in film and television with purposes other then being killed or killing themselves.

I know 30 years is not long enough for some to catch up with it. So there is another thing, for young people having friends who know and are supportive is what makes the biggest difference.

For the rest of us there Friday 26 August is wear it purple day, wear purple to show you support and celebrate LGBTI young people. I will be.

Rob.

[Steven1]

Hey guys. I don't know that I am exactly young (I am 32) but I have recently come out and so far, everyone has been really supportive. It is still early days...

One thing I have noticed is that there seems to be more support and services for younger guys than those of us who are a bit older. My psychologist gave me information for a service in my state that sounded great, however it was for people to the age of 26 only. I rang them to see if there is a service for "older" guys but they said sorry but no!

I am still reluctant to disclose my sexuality to people I don't know very well for fear of being judged but so far I would have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised by how great everyone has been. I think this is why it has taken me this long to come out. 20 years ago people were definitely different.

[DrTom]

Hey Steven. Fantastic to hear you sounding so positive. I too found that there weren't many services oriented to "old" people (you may recall I was 40). Fortunately I found a few good mates who helped me through. Hope you're meeting a few LGBTI folks.

Tom

[Paul]

Hi Grazee,

I think for younger people it has become easier, but certainly no cakewalk. Gen X gay and lesbian people joined the fight for equality with gay and lesbian baby boomers. In those days (even 20 years ago) it was still a fight!

Nowadays I don't classify it as a fight but more of a push and reminder for equality.

Why do we still have gay and lesbian people going to see psychologists. many reasons. They could be nothing to do with their sexuality. The reasons could be because the community or family the person grew up in doesn't agree with homosexuality. Our brains are wired for survival, anxiety is an example of the wiring in overdrive! If someone discovers that they have attraction to the opposite sex or both sexes in the environment I mentioned above, then this can cause a LOT of internal conflict because we want to be ourselves but believe that to survive we need to conform to the wishes of our "group" - hence a visit to your Dr in the city.

I mentioned the fight changing to a push. This is true of gay and lesbian people, but I feel that it's still a fight for transgender people. The extremely sad part is that gay and lesbian people can be just as bigoted and horrible towards trans folks as other people. The fight is happening and I believe that it's being won. There's still a way to go. This makes me sad.

So. Yes it's easier these days for young gay people, but it' still difficult for trans people. We're lucky to have a space like this where trans people are so so welcome and accepted with love.

Paul