02/07/2020
Ben Hunte, the BBC News Channel's dedicated LGBTQ correspondent, has met up with several charity bosses working in agencies that help members of our community suffering from suicidal ideation and general mental health disturbance. They tell of a frustrating lack of government action, even though the authorities acknowledge that suicidal thoughts are more prominent in parts of our community, a phenomenon caused by homophobia, transphobia and lack of support from society. Support group LGBT Hero reports 11,000 people have accessed its suicide-prevention web pages – this is up over 44% on the first three months of the year. Charities expressed frustration that the government does not require coroners to record sexuality or gender identity when someone is concluded to have taken their own life. The lockdown caused by coronavirus have led to social isolation for many LGBTQ people who formerly enjoyed the support of our virbant community and this is believed to have hit some harder than over. It is absolutely essential that if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, that you seek help. A list of help charities is published, courtesy of the BBC, on our website, and we would also add that LGBTQ Switchboard is also available for you daily on 0300 330 0630. Remember, as lockdown is gradually lifted, our communities are coming back together, and will be strengthened by the use of technology to network and communicate. Reach out and support each other and spread the queer love to others who need it.
Helplines:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotio...