The campaign will reach out to at-risk LGBTQI youth.

Beyondblue launched a major national awareness campaign aimed at reducing discrimination and bullying, particularly against LGBT youth.

Chairman Jeff 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.”

According to beyondblue research, discrimination and bullying are major contributing factors to depression, anxiety, and risk of suicide. beyondblue has partnered with Movember to contribute $1.5 million to a major national anti-discrimination and stigma-reduction campaign which includes a variety of ads as well as personal video stories from LGBT people who have experienced depression and anxiety as a result of discrimination.

Kennett said, “Now it seems ludicrous that adults tried to make left-handed children conform to what they considered was the ‘right way’ of doing things. This campaign draws a parallel and makes us question if our society isn’t doing exactly the same thing to people whose sexuality or gender identification is different. Is it all right to be left-handed? Of course. Is it all right to be gay or lesbian? Of course.”

Besides the ads, briefing packs for health professionals, community service organisations and schools will be distributed nationally to assist people working in these areas to be more inclusive of GLBTI people and more respectful and understanding of issues faced by this population group.