A new study had been released documenting the experiences of 9500 gay people and allies during the postal survey. It’s pretty much what you would expect: the survey was a disaster for gay people #auspol #marriageequality
To begin with, 90% of respondents believed the debate would have a negative impact on them. 80% LGBTQ+ people and 60% allies then found the debate ‘incredibly or extremely stressful’
This strain had real consequences: reports of LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety and stress increased increased by more than 30% during the postal survey
The consequences of the survey were violent as well: verbal and physical assaults against LGBTQ+ people *doubled* during the 3 months after the announcement of the survey (compared to the previous six months) #auspol #marriageequality
Around 70% of gay people practiced self-care by strategically avoiding some situations related to the debate, however, the same amount of people isolated themselves by ‘avoiding being with people in general’
This isolation was systemic: many did not talk with others about what was happening for them and few sought professional support. More than 80% of LGBTIQ+ people said they kept their feelings from others at least some of the time
Nevertheless, resilience was evidenced by 80% of respondents participating in affirmative activities such as marches or displaying posters. (Anecdotally, I can say that many previously apolitical friends were suddenly very interested in political participation)
The take away: the postal survey was an unnecessary, humiliating and harmful experience for gay Australians. We were called child abusers, disordered—we were creating a new ‘Stolen Generation’. Hitler’s extermination of gay people was praised on the radio
Turnbull spoke about how ‘remarkable’ the postal survey was, how it was a ‘positive affirmation’ of gay Australians. This was not at all the case. These negative outcomes were predictable and were ignored by Turnbull and the Coalition
In conclusion: there is $20m left over from the postal survey budget and it should be redirected to mental health and other support services for LGBTQ+ Australians hurt by the campaign
NB For any statistic geeks wondering about breakdown between gay people and allies in the data, it’s 75% LGBTQ+ people & 25% friends & family, but you can read more in the report below
Source: tai.org.au/sites/defualt/…
Source: tai.org.au/sites/defualt/…
