Hi, my name is Oscar and I am 21 years of age. Throughout the month of May, I will be riding 2,000km to raise money for Youth Queer* Mental Health.

The Queer community faces disproportionately higher rates of mental health conditions and suicidal ideation. This is especially true of young queer people, who are navigating a foreign world where many constantly feel that they do not belong.

3/4 of Queer people have considered suicide in their lifetime and 1/3 of Queer people have attempted suicide.

Disproportionately, young people experience the highest rates of suicidal ideation, and are the ones most ill-equipped to deal with it. Many young Queer people find themselves without anywhere to turn in a world that seems increasingly hostile to who they are.

QLife is a free, anonymous peer-support and referral service run by Queer people for Queer people. Their support is nationwide and comes by phone or webchat, along with resources on their website.

However, they are extremely underfunded. In FY25, QLife operated at a reduced budget, leaving them able to answer 47.1% of all calls, even with efficiency enhancements.

Their work is essential and behind every unanswered call is a Queer person in desperate need of help.

If you are able to donate or even share a message of support, it would mean the world. Every kilometre I ride brings us closer to a safer and healthier world.

The funds raised will be donated entirely to QLife to ensure they can continue on their critical work by being there for the most vulnerable amongst us when they feel they have no where else to turn.

Please follow my journey at OscarDethridge on Instagram and Strava

*Queer is a term used to identify the LGBTQIA+ Community and encompasses Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and more.