Background/significance
Lack of social connections within Dandora LGBT youth during the Covid19 Pandemic has
exacerbated existing mental health problems. Research shows that One in every 4 Kenyans has suffered
mental illness, which is approximately 11.5 Million Kenyans. 40% of them being LGBTIQ
Community. The pandemic’s physical toll is tangible, though its impact on mental health is
just starting to be understood, including the mental health impacts on LGBTQ youth. At
baseline, LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their
straight, cisgender peers. Since the pandemic began, we have lost quite several LBQT youths
to suicide. Currently, the LGBTQ youth are at significantly increased risk for depression, anxiety
, and suicide attempt primarily due to increased experiences of victimization, discrimination,
rejection, stigma, and violence.
- Increase Visibility and raise awareness of Mental Health among the LGBTQ Community.
Methodology/Interventions
- Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of youths reaching out to Nena na Binti
hotline(Youth friendly service provider that offers SRH and Counseling services to Adolescents
and Youths) has been significant, a total of about 300 LBQT of ages ranging between 18-35 and this is
because of the increased community awareness on Mental health done through online
dissemination of information and the peer to peer referral mechanism
- Use of online platforms, e.g., WhatsApp groups, in passing information and supporting LBQT Youth through regular check-in sessions.
- Referrals and linkages to safe houses for those youth who are homeless are critical for the safety of the LGBTQ youth.
- The LGBTQ youth reached with Nena Na Binti hotline counseling services are about 300 in three months.
- Increased demand for Nena Na Binti counseling services.
Conclusions
There is a need for continuous raise of mental health awareness to the LGBTQ community. It is achievable through focus discussion groups and community outreaches.
Recommendations
There is a need for resource mobilization towards raising mental health awareness in Dandora
for both the community members, the LGBTQ Community, and Health care providers e.g.
Counselors.