Looking After Our Taonga
Wednesday, 7 April 2010.
Originally from express article 10 March 2010
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| Diana Rands from CADS. |
As a parent, the most important thing in my life is my children – they are my greatest treasure! In the same way, as a member of our queer communities, I consider our young queer people our Taonga.
Being young and queer today is in some ways easier than ever before. There are more positive role models, and for those of us who live in the city, there is more acceptance of same sex relationships – and in some cases, even gender diversity. Of course we have a long way to go before being queer is fully integrated into the world – homophobia is still alive and well!
The most destructive homophobia is of course internalised homophobia, something most of us have to varying levels. Young people are no exception to this, with many thinking they are ‘less than’, ‘tainted’, ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’. The addition of alcohol and other drugs (with their inherent risks) to a person with a low self worth can be a lethal combination.
Today there are more opportunities for young people to get wasted than ever before. This is particularly true for young women, who I have been told are leading the field in drunkenness!
So, what can older people do to support and even protect our young queers?
It is all about community responsibility. We are the role models for our queer youth, it is time to look at how we behave, and our assumptions e.g. do we think we can not have fun without being trollied? Do we have enough awareness to realise that often consuming huge amounts of our favourite drug is no fun at all….especially the next day!
It is also about looking out for our young people. It is really disturbing to hear that in some of our gay bars there is often violence – and too often rape (once is too often!). We are all responsible for this – if we see or notice violent or predatory behaviour, we must do something. Sure do not put yourself at risk – but there are bouncers and police, let them know. It may be that you notice a young person who is so ‘out of it’ they are at risk – how about making sure they get home safely.
It is time for us as a community to tackle the appalling stats that say we have the highest consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Please do not get me wrong – I am not advocating abstinence. I am advocating partaking without violence, drinking for enjoyment rather than unconsciousness; sometimes it can be as simple as counting how many drinks you are having. A fully functioning brain, a disease free body – health and happiness – shouldn’t these come first?
Let us all be great role models and look after our greatest Taonga – our young people.
Please note CADS Auckland has a service - Altered High, specifically for young people (or those concerned about a young person). Altered High has a ‘same sex attraction’ counsellor. The direct line to Altered High is 09 8451893.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use contact CADS on 8451818 to discuss this or you can call in to any CADS unit without appointment any weekday morning between 10am and 1pm and see someone face to face. Or visit our website www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
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