Oscar Dethridge is proving that sometimes the best way to show up for your community and support an amazing LGBTQIA+ support service is to simply keep moving.
The 21-year-old is spending the entire month of May cycling 2,000 kilometres to raise money for QLife, a free and anonymous peer-support service run by and for LGBTQIA+ people across Australia.
The fundraiser is all about supporting queer mental health, an issue that continues to affect LGBTQIA+ communities, especially young people.
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“The queer community faces disproportionately higher rates of mental health conditions and suicidal ideation,” Oscar wrote on his fundraising page.
“This is especially true of young queer people, who are navigating a world where many constantly feel that they do not belong.”
It is a challenge with a huge physical goal, but also an even bigger purpose.
Riding for a cause that matters
QLife offers free support and referrals via phone and webchat, connecting LGBTQIA+ people with trained peers who understand the unique challenges queer communities can face.
The service is anonymous, nationwide and often a crucial lifeline.
But like many community-led services, funding remains a major challenge.
In FY25, QLife was forced to operate on a reduced budget and could answer only 47.1 per cent of incoming calls, meaning more than half of the people reaching out for help were left unanswered.
“Behind every unanswered call is a queer person in desperate need of help,” Oscar said.
That stark reality is what pushed him to take on the 2,000km challenge.
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Every dollar raised through the fundraiser goes directly to QLife to help them continue delivering critical mental health support.
Worth it already
Oscar originally set out hoping to raise $3,000 over the entire month.
He has already crushed that goal and is close to the new goal of $5,000, with the donations currently sitting at $4,630 and still half the month to go.
And he is not slowing down anytime soon.
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How you can support
Oscar is currently taking donations via his GoFundMe page and encourages people to share the link and donate where they can.
He has also invited the community to join sections of his rides along the way. Anyone keen to ride with him can DM him directly on Instagram
Every contribution matters.
“Every kilometre I ride brings us closer to a safer and healthier world.”
In a time where queer communities are continuing to fight for safety, inclusion and accessible mental health support, this fundraiser is a reminder that meaningful action does not always need to be flashy.
Sometimes, it just looks like putting one foot on a pedal and refusing to stop.
Head to GoFundMe to donate and follow Oscar’s journey on Instagram
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
