Is it okay to be left handed? ‘Stop, Think, Respect’ / LGBTI

Major new beyondblue campaign urges Australians to stop discriminating against people because they’re simply being themselves.

The Hon. Jeff Kennett,  Chairman of beyondblue, launched in Sydney a major national awareness campaign aimed at reducing discrimination and bullying particularly against young gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or intersex (GLBTI) people. (more after the video)

Mr Kennett said: “It’s unreasonable to think you would discriminate against someone just for being themselves. We don’t want people to feel they have to hide who they are because they fear discrimination, ridicule or violence.

“beyondblue research shows that, discrimination and bullying are major contributing factors to depression and anxiety, and risk of suicide. The GLBTI community, in particular, faces widespread discrimination which contributes to much higher rates of anxiety and depression than in the general population.

“GLBTI people are at least two to three times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the broader population and are at greater risk of suicide and self-harm. Almost half hide their sexuality or gender identity in a range of situations fearing violence or discrimination - with young people aged 16 to 24 years more likely to do so than any other age group.

“This is why beyondblue, together with Movember, has contributed $1.5 million to this major national antidiscrimination and stigma-reduction campaign which includes cinema ads, TV, print and outdoor ads, and personal video stories from GLBTI people who have experienced depression and anxiety as a result of discrimination. The ads and videos can also be seen on beyondblue’s website, Facebook and Youtube pages.

source: Major new beyondblue campaign urges Australians to Stop, Think, Respect

Well, I’m a lefty.
Many years ago, the practices from parents and teachers in the school and at home were not human at all: children had their left hand tied behind their back in an effort to force the child to write with the right hand and to fit in to a right handed world. Some people believed that being left handed was evil! Ah, the Satan was believed to be left handed!

Yes, this is a right handed world but I stayed Lefty for life!

If we talk about this today, we can only say that was heartless, cruel, violent and outdated.

Thank God, kids are not forced and (in worst case) beaten any more to become right handed.

But you can’t say that about LGBTI people. The effects of discrimination are everywhere.

Here are the Real Life Story videos.

The Real Life Story videos are heartbreaking and I feel great respect for the six people who shared their stories about “Why should I be made to feel like crap for just being who I am? ”