YOUTH service providers and Melton and Moorabool’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) communities are calling for more funding and services.
This is despite the state government last week announcing a new round of “Healthy, Equal, Youth” grants of up to $40,000 each for community organisations to promote mental health support for GLBTIQ young people.
An initial round of grants was given to seven organisations in April, with Brimbank Youth Services being the only western suburbs recipient.
Melton resident Koby Drake, 21, grew up in Ballarat and his partner Rory Shaw spent his youth in Ballan. Both told the Weekly that growing up gay in outer areas was tough, with few services to turn to for support.
“When I was in Ballarat people came to the services there all the way from Melton and Bacchus Marsh because there simply were none there,” Mr Drake said. “I remember feeling at times there was something wrong with me and that I was a failure.
“Having a support network around you makes you see you are not alone and gives you more confidence and a feeling of safety.”
Mr Drake said he wanted Melton and Moorabool councils to help boost services and promote marriage equality in the region.
“It’s about creating a comfortable, safe place and being proud of yourself,” he said.
Child and Family Services Moorabool chief executive Paul Huggett said he would strongly support extra services for GLBTIQ youth.
“Unfortunately in Bacchus Marsh, youth services are few and far between, so we all work in close partnership with each other,” he said. “The youth staff at council are really committed, and these kids are already at risk of mental illness.”
Mr Huggett said there was sometimes less acceptance of queer sexuality in rural areas and many support services were non-existent. “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that being GLBTIQ in Bacchus Marsh means you could end up with depression or relying on alcohol to cope with anxiety about sexual identification.”
