To make these topics easier to talk about, Tim Küsters (29) from Den Bosch is traveling all over Europe. He is Mister Gay Europe and fights to get people talking more about mental health in the LGBTQ+ community. And he is learning a lot himself. “Asking a direct question can save someone sooner than it might harm them."
For years, research has shown that the mental health of LGBTQ+ people is not very good. Last year, the knowledge institute Movisie reported that almost half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults have thought about suicide. This is four times higher than the rest of the population. Additionally, 48% of young LGBTQ+ people have mental health problems, compared to 18% of heterosexual young people.
Tim thinks this needs to change. He created a campaign that got him elected as Mister Gay Europe. All year long, Tim has been trying to make sure people dare to talk about their problems with each other. If we don't do this, he says, the stigma on mental health problems will continue. "People often think they are overreacting. We need to break that idea."
As Mister Gay Europe, he gives speeches at events like Pride in Brussels, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. This month, Tim even visited the mayor of Oslo and gave a speech at the Human Rights Congress in Thessaloniki.
“We need to be really aware that the numbers get worse every year," Tim says. "There isn’t just one reason for this. In the LGBTQ+ community, many people act differently than they are because they are afraid they won't be accepted."
The current Mister Gay Europe has had his own problems. He always wanted children but thought it was impossible because he is gay. "I was very focused on this from a young age. I really wanted to be straight because I thought it would be easier to have children. That does something to you."
Now, Tim is doing well. He has a partner who already had two children, his wish to have children is fulfilled, and he feels good about himself. Now, Tim wants to help others. “I don’t have all the answers on how to overcome mental health problems. But it’s important to let people know that they can do something, like seek professional help and talk to each other.”
In his work as Mister Gay Europe, Tim has learned a lot, such as how to talk to people who don’t feel good about themselves. “If someone says they’re not doing well, you have to be willing to really listen. You don’t need to have solutions," he explains.
“I’ve mostly learned that it’s good to ask questions. If you think someone has suicidal thoughts, ask them about it. It feels too direct, but such a question can save someone sooner than it can harm them." Tim shares these insights through his campaign and at events.
How effective his work has been over the past year is hard to measure, Tim says. "I see everywhere I go that the statistics I share about mental health really hit home. I see people start conversations with each other. That makes me happy." This year, Tim can continue his campaign as Mister Gay Europe. Next year, a new person will be chosen.
Source: Omroep Brabant
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