Coming Out As An LGBTI Person: What Are The Big Issues?

I recently spoke with Melbourne psychotherapist and counsellor Matt Glover on some of the big issues facing LGBTI people when they are coming out.

Matt is quite an extraordinary guy, not only because he’s straight (he’s married with two children), but because he is a fiercely passionate and loyal advocate for LGBTI people and has made it his mission to improve the mental health of the LGBTI community.

His story is a fascinating one because he was a Baptist minister for 14 years but due to his work with the LGBTI community in Melbourne, his position in the church became untenable and he had to leave.

It was at this point the Melbourne LGBTI community rallied around Matt and his family to hold a fundraiser to support him while he worked out what to do for work. The good news is Matt retrained as a therapist and counsellor and now works extensively with the LGBTI people and their families in Melbourne.

Some of the interesting points Matt covers in this interview include:

• The most common challenges LGBTI people face
• Some  of the mistaken assumption people make about LGBTI people
• What it’s like to come out as an LGBTI person
• What to do if family and friends react badly to an LGBTI person coming out
• Why LGBTI people are at such high risk of poor mental health and suicide
• How to best support an LGBTI person who is coming out

Listen to the audio below or download it to listen on your mobile device.

About Matt Glover
Director MGA Counselling Services
BSc (Hons), BTheol, GradDipTheol, M (Counselling)
M.A.C.A. (Level 2)
Accredited MHSS Trainer and ACT Therapist

Matt is an accredited counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and holds a Masters degree in counselling from Monash University. Since 1998 Matt has been involved in a variety of counselling and pastoral care roles ranging from home based health care to emergency relief and crisis support. Currently he is the director of MGA Counselling services and provides individual, couple, family and group counselling at the Croydon Hills and East Doncaster centres. Matt provides professional and personal development courses on a range of topics and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media on sexuality and mental health. Visit his website to find out more at www.mgacounselling.com.au