Aussie DJ and personality Tigerlily, real name Dara Hayes, has been announced as the new ambassador for mental health crisis support service and charity, Lifeline Australia.
The DJ is no stranger to the effects that bullying can have on a young person – just earlier this year, the Melbourne-based musician and model went through the horrendous experience of having intimate photos stripped of specifically-placed concealing bars and spread around the internet.
The lack of consent regarding the stealing of intimate photos gives it the ability to be likened to the term ‘digital rape’. Along with the erasure of the person’s privacy, it also adds to the stigmatisation and sexualisation of women (the issue happens to men and women, but the large percentage of cases involve a female victim).
P.TV spoke to Tigerlily after the incident, and she said this about her experience,
“How would you feel if this was happening to your best friend, your sister, or your girlfriend? It wouldn’t be such a laugh then I’m sure? I’ve spoken out many times against misogyny, sexism and online bullying, and in the past 24 hours I’ve seen just how vulgar and childish some people can be.”
After the fallout died down, DJ Tigerlily donated $5000 to an Aussie mental health charity, Headspace.
The announcement of her becoming a national ambassador for Lifeline means that we see a compassionate woman who has first-hand experience with bullying, sexual crimes and sexism move into a position of power and influence – it’s important, and it’s bloody great.
Her appointment will see her run the New York marathon later this year.
The charity’s CEO Pete Shmigel said this about her appointment:
“Dara is an incredibly talented and inspirational young woman. She understands the positive influence she can have on other young Australians, whether it be through her music, social media channels or through running a marathon in the name of suicide prevention.Together with Dara, we hope to take further steps to tackle the national suicide emergency faced in Australia.”
Dara seems stoked to be part of a charity that is so close to her heart:
“Over the past ten years I’ve struggled with my own mental health battles – from beating anorexia as a teen and dealing with severe anxiety attacks to, now, trying to manage an ongoing battle with stress and self-concept.In becoming a Lifeline Ambassador, I want to ensure more young people grow up in an environment where they feel safe and supported to speak about their own experiences with suicide, as well as depression, anxiety, isolation, and pain.”
Source/Photo: Supplied.
If you or someone you love are struggling with issues related to mental health, contact the friendly people at Lifeline to speak to someone one-on-one – it’s available 24/7 – on 13 11 14.
