Launch of LGTB digital stories on Mental Health

Launch of LGTB digital stories on Mental Health

"Rainbow Touchstones", a series of online video stories looking at mental health experiences from within New Zealand's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities was launched today (27 September 2010).

NZ Mental Health Media Grant recipient, Gareth Watkins, helped facilitate six community members tell their own stories.

"Digital storytelling is a creative process that is very much driven by the participant" says Watkins. "We interweave personal narrative, images and creative writing to form a unique five-minute video that reflects a person’s individual journey."

Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation believes the Rainbow Touchstones project will go a long way towards achieving the Media Grants' goal of breaking down stigma, discrimination and prejudice and reducing misunderstanding associated with mental illness.

"I think this collection is a great way of reaching people," says Clements. "There is nothing more influential than real stories from people's real experiences.

“They are an encouragement to people who may be feeling doubtful, and a great boost to their confidence about the rewards of being open and true to themselves and their own sexuality."

The digital stories have been launched on the website PrideNZ.com and linked to from the Mental Health Foundation website.

"The PrideNZ.com website will offer the stories in a variety of accessible formats - captioned video, downloadable audio or as a written transcript" says Watkins. "We are also making the complete set of six stories available as a DVD resource".

“I am so appreciative of the honesty and frankness of the participants” Watkins says. “To share such personal journeys shows a strength and generosity of spirit that is very humbling.”

This project was funded by a NZ Mental Health Media Grant and proudly supported by the Ministry of Health's Like Minds, Like Mine programme and the Mental Health Foundation.

For further information please contact Gareth Watkins, gareth@gwcreative.co.nz

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