Youth mental health organisation headspace has released a video reminding young LGBTIQ people they need to look after themselves amid the negative elements of the marriage equality debate.
Developed by a team of young people at headspace, the video offers four simple messages:
1. Look after yourself
2. Look after others
3. Connect with the community
4. Practice self care
One of the video’s creators, Sara Strachan, said the messages seem obvious but can be forgotten as negative elements of the debate play out in the mainstream media and on social media.
“We are simply reminding people that these things are really important in order to keep your cool,” she said.
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said it was essential the marriage debate was framed in positive terms.
“The impact that negative elements of this debate is having on the LGBTIQA+ community is undeniable,” he said.
“I’m proud that young people from headspace have the foresight and ability to bring the issue back to where it needs to be, with positive, reassuring and vital messages.”
He said the video is part of the #mindthefacts campaign, an initiative by headspace and four other organisations urging a “yes” vote by presenting research about the impact of marriage discrimination on youth mental health.
On Tuesday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated 57.5% of postal survey forms had been returned.
The ABS has strongly encouraged to return their forms by October 27, before the final deadline of November 7.
