Families like mine is a multimedia guide that offers practical advice to families of young gender diverse people, same-sex attracted and bisexual people, and those who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.
The guide was developed because research shows that family support can have a significant positive impact on the mental health of young lesbian, gay, bisexual or gender diverse people.
Families like mine is free and has been distributed to parent groups, school councils and youth organisations across the country.
The reasons for developing it are highlighted by Australian Bureau of Statistics figures that show lesbian, gay and bisexual Australians are three times more likely to have depression than heterosexuals and twice as likely to have an anxiety condition, largely because of the discrimination they experience. Research also shows lesbian, gay and bisexual people are also far more likely to try and take their own lives, while different studies highlight the disturbingly high levels of psychological distress experienced by transgender and gender diverse people.