Tired of young people suffering in silence, Warrnambool teenagers are gearing up to make some noise against homophobia and the increasing incidence of self harm as a result of bullying.
Warrnambool's Youth United Making Change against Homophobic Attitudes (YUMCHA) group will be cutting laps in the city today with a 'honk if you hate homophobia' sign on their bus.
Brophy Family and Youth's same sex attracted friendly environment (SSAFE) project worker Jackie Wallis said the event was not a protest or activism but rather a reminder to people that homophobia should not be tolerated.
She said YUMCHA was not a "gay group" but a group of young people who think all people deserve to be treated fairly and aimed to stop homophobia in the south-west and challenge stigmas attached to same sex attracted people.
"We have members from all different backgrounds whose common goal is to stop homophobia in our society," Ms Wallis said.
"It's just a gentle reminder there are gay people in our community and other people who are against discrimination."
Ms Wallis said society had worked to eradicate obvious racism, sexism and discrimination of people with different abilities but believed homophobia has been allowed to fester with terms like "faggot", "poofta'"and "dyke" still readily used to put someone down.
She said same sex attracted young people are up to three times more likely to attempt self harm than their heterosexual counterparts.
"Young people are abused and treated differently if they are openly gay and, if they are not "out", live in absolute terror of being outed to their mates, school and family," Ms Wallis said.
"Recent studies show that young people are experiencing the majority of bullying in schools and their own homes."
Ms Wallis said the YUMCHA group would also be wearing purple on Wednesday to show their support for a campaign against homophobic bullying in response to a recent surge in gay teen suicides in America.
With its beginnings as a Facebook campaign the day has gathered momentum with a number of celebrities lending their support including gay talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
The 'honk if you hate homophobia' bus will leave from 210 Timor Street today at 4pm to cut laps around the city, including lake Pertobe.
Anyone is welcome to attend.
Anyone in need of for help and support or considering self harm can phone Lifeline 24 hours a day on 131 114. Young people can call the Kids' Help Line 1800 551 800.
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