The mental health impacts of marriage inequality on the LGBT

Two Australian public health bodies have voiced their dismay at marriage inequality in Australia. Citing concerns for both mental and physical health, they put the case for marriage equality as part of the issues facing Australians in regard to the overall health of the LGBT community here.

The two bodies are The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Council of Academic Public Health Associations (Caphia). They have put their concerns into a letter sent to every federal member of parliament.

In particular during this time of debate in Australia about marriage equality, much of the language used by those opposed to it can be very damaging mentally for those in the LGBT community. 

For us there is no argument. David and I want to get married, simple as that. We can see no reason why not other than religious opposition. That opposition uses such terms as "right" and "wrong". For David and I it's water off a ducks back generally, but I can't imagine what such language would do to a young person struggling to define their sexuality. Particularly if their parents are religious.

It even gets to me sometimes. It's no secret on this blog that I suffer from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, post traumatic stress and suicidal thoughts at times. I'd guess I'm not exactly atypical to the LGBT community. Vulnerable yes, but mostly when I hear anti-gay stuff it's laughable; like life has already fucked me over, WTF is a few anti-gay slurs gonna do?

But yesterday it got to me. Kim Davis got to me. I couldn't watch the bullshit hate fest on parade as she got out of jail. Praised her god that she hated gays and wouldn't marry them. Slaver saying her signing a gay marriage certificate was like her being forced to sign a document legalising child rape. I'd have to be honest, even this old tough as nails jaded thick skinned bloke, was shocked and sickened to the point of depression. 

If such displays of inequality and hatred can get to me, WTF must it be doing to the more vulnerable of us LGBT? Surely in 2015 Australia the new LGBT young ones should just be able to be themselves and deal with their sexuality without fear of discrimination and hatred.

Leading public health organisations the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Council of Public Health Institutions of Australia (CAPHIA) have written to all Members of the Federal Parliament calling on them to support marriage equality as a public health issue. 

CEO of the PHAA, Michael Moore, explained the health impact of the current, unsatisfactory situation. “Public health has long been concerned with addressing the social determinants of health that are recognized by the World Health Organization as critical drivers of health inequity – that is, poorer health outcomes among the vulnerable and marginalized. 

The WHO also recognises poor mental health as a global public health priority, and that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people experience higher levels of poor mental health, including suicide, than the general population. 

Professor Archie Clements at the Australian National University, a member of both organisations added “Amongst the many social determinants of health adversely affecting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ people are social exclusion, stigma and discrimination, often associated with poorer health service access and utilization, poorer sexual health, and poorer life expectancy”. 

Professor Clements argued “There is a strong public health case for marriage equality”. more 

No LGBT activists outside Kim Davis office today. One told me they skipped because they are increasingly "worried" by "so many threats."

— Dominic Holden (@dominicholden) September 9, 2015