GG Bryce supports gender equality GOVERNOR-GENERAL Quentin Bryce has voiced her support for gender equality at an event focused on mental health, just days after speaking out about gay marriage. The Queen's representative, who ends her term in March, refused to comment on her landmark speech on Friday after launching Beyondblue's manual for families of lesbian, gay, bisexual and gender diverse people in Melbourne. Ms Bryce said society needs to be supportive of young gay, bisexual and gender diverse people who are at risk of discrimination. She said the fear of social rejection can cause anxiety and increases the risk of suicide in LGBTQ people. "Coming to grips with gender identity and revealing it to those close to you can be a challenging time and very painful and distressing," Ms Bryce said on Tuesday. She said a supportive family can assist young people to feel supported. Ms Bryce on Friday said she hoped Australia would become a country where "people are free to love and marry as they choose." Beyondblue chairman and former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has pledged his full support behind the governor-general for speaking out about her beliefs on gay marriage, mental health and gender equality. "No I don't think she's wrong at all," Mr Kennett said. I am very grateful for the voice she gives to so many who have no voice at all. Mr Kennett said the governor-general was prepared to attract a bit of flack for her opinions. He said it was better she said something than nothing. "God help her successor, he or she will have big shoes to fill," he said.