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COVID-19 AND THE LGBTQI+ COMMUNITY’S MENTAL HEALTH

patriot by patriot
December 12, 2020
in Analysis & Opinions
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COVID-19 AND THE LGBTQI+ COMMUNITY’S MENTAL HEALTH
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There is no denying that the past few months have been increasingly uncomfortable and worrying. Since the initial outbreak in China’s Wuhan province, the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has infected over millions worldwide and has dominated the news and social media almost every single day.  For many of us, our homes are a welcomed sanctuary during these defeating times. A safe haven where apart from social distancing to stay healthy, our biggest concern is the daily boredom and what Netflix show to binge on next. However, for many young LGBTQI+ people, lockdown becomes especially difficult when your identity isn’t respected, understood or accepted by those you’re in lockdown with.

Being confined to the indoors can be bad for anyone’s mental health, but young LGBTQI+ people, especially those with precarious home situations, are struggling even more in the midst of our current pandemic. A sad reality is that some people have had to leave their safe spaces and friendship circles to live in stealth at home again. A huge, almost grief-like, process which can lead to increased self-harm, depression and other behaviours detrimental to one’s overall health. Queer people’s mental health issues may be worsened during this time by the obvious case of having their normal routines disrupted and the lack of access to face-to-face support.

Obviously, no one enjoys social distancing weeks on end, but the effect is rather different when you have had to step away from your accepting community to instead isolate yourself indefinitely whilst policing every action and hiding your true self.  Research from the University of Montreal found that being in ‘the closet’ has a negative effect on mental wellbeing, increasing stress hormone levels and heightening the likeliness of anxiety, depression and burnout. Many queer youths are now in the very homes they tend to avoid and face daily discrimination and alienation at home from the hands of their own paternal and maternal relatives.

This global pandemic has created an unprecedented situation which has seen many queer people isolated without any support structures.For trans and non-binary people the toll is especially clear. Access to medication for their transition is a major concern, so is they being in spaces with people who don’t respect their gender identity and pronouns. Being stuck at home with our families can be quite a challenge for anyone irrespective of their gender, but it is more horrid for trans people as homes could be the source of oppression and violence even otherwise.

For those whose lockdown environments can feel as toxic as the outside world, digital spaces such as Instagram and Facebook offer an escape from reality and a chance to connect with other queer people. Sunday May17, marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). An important day and stand in solidarity with the queer community to help break the silence.

As BANANA CLUB, we offer a safe space in the form of a closed Facebook group for anyone wishing to share their experiences and connect with others during these times. We also have access to therapy and can get you in touch with someone should you wish to talk things through. Get in contact with us and chat to people who are also in the same situation you are in right now. I also urge all allies of the community to spread the word about the services BANANA CLUB is offering during this time. If you come across anyone on your social platforms or if you have a bit of concern about a friend then please tell us or let them know we are here to help. Sometimes it can feel really lonely but please don’t feel like you’re on your own, we are all in this together and will indeed fight this terrifying global lull together.

*Enyatseng is a passionate advocate for creative intellect and culture. He does this through work as a writer, creative director and producer.

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  • VACANCIES: BR PropertiesMay 17, 2022
    INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY Finance and Administration Closing date: 18th May 2022.
  • BANANA CLUB HOSTS FIRST MAUN EDITIONMay 17, 2022
    The artist-led collective, Banana Emoji Productions in collaboration with the European Union Delegation in Botswana hosted the beloved BANANA CLUB dialogues in Maun on the 14th of May 2022.  The multi-disciplinary creative group is committed to working with artists […]
  • Orange Botswana CEO among Africa’s most inspirational women in leadershipMay 12, 2022
    – Declares House of Rose House of Rose Professional Pte. Ltd (HORP) has announced its 2022 List of Africa’s Most Inspirational Women in Leadership. The list included over 100 inspirational leaders and was curated by House of Rose Professional […]
  • Unions ‘consider’ a Workers PartyMay 12, 2022
    Masisi snubbed trade unions on Workers Day, chose Khawa BOFEPUSU warn Masisi that Khawa could cost him elections Opposition will be top beneficiary of a Workers Party -Analyst BAKANG TIRO editors@thepatriot.co.bw Aggrieved trade union federation, Botswana Federation of Public, […]
  • Munyadzwe breeds, commercialises phane wormMay 12, 2022
    “We have had clients from as far as England, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana and they really like the phane worms. People are talking about snack protein, and we are part of that revolution, food security, healthy sources of protein, going […]
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