Saturday, April 19, 2008

Gay struggle taken to the edge

Businessman and gay celebrity David Graham has revealed he was a "suicide risk" for six years while he came to terms with his sexuality at school.

Mr Graham admitted to the City North News he had a gun in his hand several times with the intention of killing himself.

The revelation comes as debate rages in the wake of a decision to ban same-sex partners at Anglican Church Grammar School’s formal.

Inner-northern schools have refused to comment about their stance on the issue.

Kelvin Grove-based Queensland University of Technology psychologist Bill Tills said educational institutions had a responsibility to support students to avoid self-esteem problems, depression and "potential suicidal impulses".

"The big thing we see is anxiety, depression and a sense of shame and anticipation of being rejected," Mr Tills said.

"That’s one of the biggest things people struggle with and that is why many of them lead secret lives."

Mr Graham, who went to a regional boys' school, said students had enough to deal with at high school without being suppressed by their school community.

``(Students) are so vulnerable going through puberty and any negative connotation put in the direction of their sexuality ... puts them at a major risk of suicide,'' Mr Graham said.

``There were half a dozen times when I was home and had the gun in my hand. It was a matter of pulling the trigger. I don't know what it was that stopped me.''

Mr Graham said he revisited suicidal thoughts at agricultural school.

``When I went to agricultural school I did get in a vehicle and get ready to do it, but another student had committed suicide the day before.

``That jolted me into thinking about how everyone reacted and how the family reacted and it was probably something too selfish to do.''

Mr Graham did not take a male partner to his formal 12 years ago, as it was deemed unacceptable.

He was subject to a beating outside the Wickham Hotel in January 2006.

City North News contacted every high school in the inner north for comment.

For help, phone the Gay and Lesbian Welfare Association on 1800184527 or visit www.reachout.com.au.

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