Reimagining Ageing: Transforming systems for LGBTI older people

A virtual event over three consecutive Wednesday afternoons

Alternatives to Suicide is a peer-to-peer support practice for voicing, sitting with, understanding, and moving through suicidal thoughts. While one outcome may be suicide prevention, the parameters of Alternatives to Suicide groups are distinctly different from current suicide prevention efforts. This difference is most evident in the emphasis of responsibility to – and not for or over.

The Alternatives to Suicide approach was developed by The Wildflower Alliance (formerly the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community) in the USA. It has gained in popularity and attention around the world, including groups facilitated in Australia.

We will be joined by George, who facilitates one such non-clinical, peer group run by, and for LGBTQ+ folks to discuss experiences of suicide without judgment and without the threat of carceral intervention. Register now for this webinar here:

Webinar Registration - Zoom

The Light Up the Night Gala is Australia’s premier and purposeful LGBTQ+ fundraising event, hosted by the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation. 

The elegant evening is a chance for hundreds of allies, business leaders, political representatives, community groups and philanthropists to take a visible stand and support an important cause.

Celebrating its third year in 2024, the Light Up the Night Gala is equal parts style and substance – an eagerly anticipated and well-attended black-tie event that unites people in a shared cause.

The spectacular event is hosted in the architecturally stunning Brisbane City Hall under the rainbow dome of its beautifully preserved Main Auditorium.

Guests enjoy networking opportunities, a sumptuous three-course dinner with premium beverages, guest speakers, powerful stories, special headline entertainers, live music, live auction and raffles.

Find out more here

ABOUT LGBTQ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS FOUNDATION

We are a strong voice for LGBTQ+ domestic violence victims and survivors, working to end domestic, family and intimate partner violence and abuse within LGBTQ+ communities.

We are a registered charity, founded in 2020, and are committed to shining a light on an epidemic that’s plagued LGBTQ+ communities for far too long.

Propelled by passionate volunteers and governed by a Board of Directors, we strive to overcome a fundamental lack of awareness, representation and understanding about the prevalence of this abuse.

We work tirelessly to provide education, information and resources to support services, workplaces, bystanders and survivors.

We know that visibility is the key.

By cultivating a culture of awareness, we can create real and meaningful change. 

Our mission is to ensure everyone – no matter their sexuality or gender identity – feels seen and believed and receives safe and inclusive support.

Learn more: dvafoundation.org

Evidence shows that overall, LGBTIQ+ young people experience higher rates of mental ill-health, suicidal thoughts and behaviour, as compared with their heterosexual and cisgender peers. These experiences are compounded by poor access to and engagement with services, and services which are often poorly equipped to cater to their specific needs. 

We will be joined by lead investigator, Penelope Strauss, Research Fellow in Youth Suicide Prevention at the Telethon Kids Institute to discuss the latest updates in the implementation of their Suicide prevention guidelines for LGBTQA+ young people. 

These guidelines outline best practice for suicide prevention in LGBTQA+ young people, targeting both clinical and community service providers. Implementation of these guidelines in service settings throughout Australia has the potential to improve the care received by LGBTQA+ young people who are experiencing suicidal ideation and/or engaging in suicidal behaviours. Register now for this webinar here:

Webinar Registration - Zoom