Olly Alexander makes an important point about LGBTI mental health awareness in this new clip | Photo: Gay Times
Years and Years frontman Olly Alexander has appeared in a powerful new video speaking about mental health awareness among LGBTQ people.
The video has been released to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day [10 September].
In the clip, the star poses with a rainbow flag with two colors ripped from it. ‘This is the flag we shouldn’t be proud of,’ Olly explains. ‘A flag that represents the two in six LGBTQ people we risk losing to suicide.’
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‘Too many young LGBTQ Londoners experience poor mental health’
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also spoke out on the subject of mental health as part of Gay Times’ ‘The Flag We Shouldn’t Be Proud Of’ campaign.
He said: ‘I’m proud that London is a symbol of diversity and progress, but we know too many young LGBTQ Londoners experience poor mental health and discrimination.’
He furthermore added: ‘We need to do much more and I’m delighted to back Gay Times in trying to raise awareness of LGBTQ youth suicide.’
‘The wellbeing of our young Londoners is vital if we are to build a healthy future for our capital,’ he also said. ‘I’m determined that all communities feel able to speak openly about their mental health and access the support they need.’
‘Tackling that stigma is one part of it’
King singer Olly furthermore added: ‘There’s such a stigma around mental health that stops us from speaking out. In the workplace, in education, or even at home, it can feel difficult to express what you’re going through in the first place.’
‘Tackling that stigma is one part of it,’ he furthermore continued. ‘I also think we have to have the actual services and provisions for LGBTQ people, because they are quite slim on the ground.
‘The things that we can do to help that situation is to be on our local representatives so they are not defunding or shutting them down.’
If you are in need of support, you can contact Switchboard via the online portal at Switchboard.lgbt or their helpline on 0300 330 0630.
Here are some more LGBTI helplines for those in crisis or seeking advice
