We know that people in the LGTBI community can face additional barriers in accessing queer-friendly mental health services - and hearing voices can sometimes carry even more stigma and distress.  For many, it can feel like being back in the closet all over again.

Recognising these issues, Voices Vic is hoping to create one or more peer support groups for people who hear voices, and who also identify as LGTBI.  We call this program 'Hearing Queer'. 

Within these groups we hope to provide a safe place where people can come together and share common life experiences, explore new ways of making sense of what's happening, as well as learning new coping skills.  People from some of our other hearing voices groups tell us that coming to the groups helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, boost confidence, and much more.  Simply being with other people who understand, have had similar experiences, and will not judge you, can be a huge relief.

Listen out for our upcoming interview with Sandy Jeffs and Indigo Daya, on JOY FM!

Sandy Jeffs is the author of the bestselling Poems from the Mad House, Loose Kangaroos, Blood Relations, Confessions of a Midweek Lady, Wings of Angels and Flying with Paper Wings, her recently published memoirs. Sandy has spoken at many conferences and Flying with Paper Wings was short-listed for The Age 2010 Book of the Year Awards. Sandy hears voices, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and identifies as a lesbian - and is very excited to share her story on radio.

Indigo Daya, Voices Vic Project Manager, Prahran Mission, will talk about the internationally successful hearing voices approach, and what’s been happening in Victoria for voice hearers over the last 18 months.