“We hold the kaupapa”: Community-led rainbow suicide prevention in Aotearoa

Abstract

A range of research shows that the rainbow population is at much higher risk of suicide than many other demographic groups. Despite this, rainbow people are most often not recognised as a priority population in suicide prevention strategies, and decision makers do not often have working relationships with rainbow organisations and community leaders. This research sought to understand and articulate the nature of community-led rainbow suicide prevention in Aotearoa, from the perspective of a researcher who works in this field. It aimed to understand, document and share the perspectives of community leaders to build understanding across the wider suicide prevention sector, and to strengthen the community of practice focused on rainbow suicide prevention. An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken which interviewed seven key informants who had taken leadership on rainbow suicide prevention initiatives in Aotearoa. Data was thematically analysed and four key themes developed which explored the nature of rainbow suicide prevention, motivations for engaging in this work, barriers and enablers to effective practice, and experiences of collaborative, shared leadership. The study found that rainbow leaders working on suicide prevention understand rainbow suicide prevention as a complex and multi-faceted range of work to reduce distress and discrimination, and to make rainbow lives easier to live. A significant amount of suicide prevention work known about by community leaders has been driven or led by community priorities, in the context of inadequate recognition from decision makers. Work was often personally motivated by individuals’ own lived experiences. The work of rainbow suicide prevention is undertaken in a challenging context, with barriers including limited funding and capacity, hostility and judgement related both to rainbow identities and suicide, and competency gaps in the wider suicide prevention sector. Mitigating some of these challenges, leaders may be able to access peer support from others working in this area. Study participants described long-term working relationships with each other, and a shared, collaborative leadership approach which created an environment of mutual support. Recommendations include development of a national rainbow suicide prevention strategy, enhancing professional peer support structures, and further research into the kaupapa of rainbow suicide prevention.