A sense of belongingness is a feeling that's imperative for all of us to feel safer. The stronger the net, the more authentic we become, making us lot more comfortable and easier to be true to ourselves.
“Every person felt like they didn’t belong, or at some point felt like they didn’t need to carry on, they weren’t needed. So I think it’s important to show each other, “Look, we’re all in this together, we all feel this way, let’s work together.” -Cole Ledford
The LGBTQAi+ community seeks to be accepted for who they are, which is the basic human need of belongingness. When we don't feel like we belong to a space, we leave. Imagine having the same feeling throughout irrespective of the location, group, people or family. When you never feel safe being yourself, it's bound to create a lot of mental health issues as there's a continuous battle to fit in and be respected for the person they are with all the strengths they carry.
Data on the mental health and well-being status of the LGBTQ community in India is limited, but there have been some studies and reports that shed light on the challenges faced by the community. Here are some key findings:
Higher rates of mental health issues: Studies have found that members of the LGBTQ community in India are more likely to experience mental health issues than the general population. For example, a 2015 study by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that 39% of LGBTQ individuals surveyed had experienced depression, compared to 16.9% of the general population.
Stigma and discrimination: Discrimination and stigma are significant contributors to the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in India. The same study found that 76.4% of LGBTQ individuals had experienced some form of discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Lack of access to mental health services: The LGBTQ community in India faces significant barriers to accessing mental health services, including a lack of trained mental health professionals who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues and a lack of LGBTQ-friendly mental health services.
Suicide risk: LGBTQ individuals in India are at a higher risk for suicide than the general population. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences found that 36% of transgender individuals surveyed had attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
Hence, with limited access to mental health services, the progress is slow. And not all mental health professionals are education about gender and sex. They have their own biasess and they are unable to help.
The Mindful Indian is a blog that focusses on mental health and well-being of LGBTQ community and here's a list of support groups that they recommend:
Saathi - A Delhi-based organization that provides mental health and other support services for the LGBTQ community.
The Humsafar Trust - A Mumbai-based organization that offers a range of services for the LGBTQ community, including counseling and support groups.
The Pink List - A directory of LGBTQ-friendly therapists and counselors in India.
The Mariwala Health Initiative - A foundation that focuses on mental health advocacy and support for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, please seek help. If you are an ally, show your support visibly, which itself is a big comfort for the people from the community.
Check out our Proud Ally section for ways to show your love and compassion.
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Let’s explore the history of LGBTQ+ in India, following its origins from prehistoric times through colonial oppression to the present-day fight for acceptance and rights.
While the world is increasingly embracing the inclusivity of love, India continues to fall short of legalizing same-sex marriage. LGBT marriage law in India has been a topic of debate for a long time.
Parenting is a selfless journey to nurture, love, and dedicate oneself to the child. With the acceptance of same-sex marriages in several countries.
One of the most talked-about topics regarding same-sex marriages is fostering "appropriate" family relationships and parenting.
The visibility and activism of the LGBTQ+ community in India have been rising for the past few years. The number of Indian youths who are accepting their queer identities today has increased.
The education system over the years has seen significant changes; however, the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth in this era remain unaddressed by the authorities.
It's the time of the year when you can uplift and support the LGBTQ+ community and take some meaningful actions to start a change.
Searching for the LGBTQ pride month quotes that portray exactly what’s on your mind? If so, then here are some quotes that you can count on...
The LGBTQ+ community has made tremendous strides in recent years towards achieving equality, acceptance, and inclusion. However, there is still much work to be done.
According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey in the United States, 71% of gay men reported being out to all or most of the important people in their lives, while only 57% of lesbian women reported the same.
These words hold true when it comes to understanding the basics of sex, gender, and sexuality. The more we educate ourselves and others, the better we can accept and embrace diversity. In India.
Right to marry the person you love, is a human right
Beyond the Queer Silence: Making mental well-being a priority.
Pride Month is celebrated commemorating years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals.
