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Description
This project addresses the problem of prejudice and discrimination towards LGBTQIA people, and the lack of competent psychological support for them. The rate of identity-related violence in Poland is as high as 68% for LGB people, and 79% for transgender people. Half of LGBTA young people show grave signs of depression, and 70% consider suicide. In recent years, LGBTQIA people have become a target in a political and media hate campaign, and this exacerbates the symptoms of minority stress. The assistance available to LGBTQIA people can be obtained in cities and large towns, usually for a charge, which means that it is not available for instance to young, transgender people living in small towns. People whose work is providing help often are unaware of the specific nature and needs of non-heteronormative and non-cisgender people. Moreover, stereotypes and prejudice are common in this group – as many as 1/5 consider orientation other than heterosexual to be abnormal.Under the project, the Project Promoter will hold ten expert question-and-answer webinars, eight online workshops on coping with discrimination, and three LGBTQIA community support groups. Approximately 26 LGBTQIA people from outside large urban centres will have access to free psychological support. The Project Promoter will also hold online meetings for people who provide psychological help – the meetings will concern emergency intervention for LGBTQIA people and coming out in a clinic.The project will primarily benefit LGBTQIA people (approximately 330 people), helping them to cope with minority stress, depression, and discrimination. The measures are also intended for specialists whose work is providing help. They will improve their competences in working with LGBTQIA people, including emergency intervention.