R U OK? shares the love at Mardi Gras in support of LGBTQI Community

A volunteer collective has generously nominated R U OK? as their charity of choice to support in this year’s parade. The group have worked tirelessly to coordinate both the float and dancers as a visual reminder to ask, “Are you ok?,” all year round.

Committee spokesperson Chris Duncan said, “We wanted to support R U OK? because mental health and suicide prevention is near and dear to each of the committee members for a variety of reasons,

“It’s an important message for the LGBTQI community and we’re so proud to be a part of it this year.”

R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher believes Australians should be reaching out and supporting anyone who’s going through a tough time.

“Checking in with friends and family who may be struggling has to be something we all commit to doing more of.

“Lives literally depend on it and Mardi Gras is a great night to remind everyone to keep asking the question,” he said.

R U OK? ambassadors; Black Comedy's Steven Oliver and 97.3FM's brekky host Bianca Dye will spur on the dance troop as they shimmy and shake their way up what is Oxford Street’s busiest and most flamboyant night of the year.

Both ambassadors are passionate about the R U OK? message and want to share it in a meaningful way.

“We live in a world where some people are bullied for their sexuality,” Steven said.

"Asking R U OK? shows compassion. If more people knew they mattered, there'd be less heartache,”

“I sometimes think we've forgotten how powerful a conversation can be, we're meant to connect and doing that face to face is still the best way.

“We shouldn't doubt the power within each and every one of us that can be ignited, just by asking someone if they're ok.”

Bianca said, “I am absolutely honoured to be a part of Mardi Gras this year and to be here to remind all these amazing people about checking in with anyone they’re worried about.”

Australia’s LGBTQI community has suicide rates well above the national average.

According to a 2016 study by the LGBTI Health Alliance;

• LGBTI youth are five times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
• 16 per cent of LGBTI youth have attempted suicide compared to 3.2 per cent of non-LGBTI youth in the same age bracket.
• 35 per cent of Transgender people over 18 have attempted suicide, while 45 per cent have considered it.
• 19 percent of Intersex people have attempted suicide directly because of the repercussions of their intersex status.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.

You can find other support services on R U OK?'s Find Help page.