The COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge that has worsened the inequalities that prevail in all regions of the world. Lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and trans* people (LGBT), who are already victims of violence and discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, have also been repeatedly affected by the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
The Ombudsmen in their report on the situation of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2020 state: “In the 2020 pandemic of COVID 19, the authorities took measures to combat the spread of the virus, which led to the restriction of human rights. The consequences were felt in all spheres of life.“
During May, when the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) is marked, Center for Psychological Support Sensus from Mostar has launched a psychological counselling for members of the LGBT community, within which all our fellow citizens who feel the need to explore on sexual identity can receive free psychological support.
Psychotherapists from the Center for Psychological Support "Sensus" noticed through psychotherapeutic work and through a direct meeting with some of the members of the LGBT community, that the above applies specifically to this population in Mostar. As the most common problem caused by the COVID-19 virus pandemic was the return to family homes, isolation with other family members, inability to finance independent living due to job loss, and all that accompanied by fear, anxiety and other mental disorders. All of the above mentioned has further increased conflicts, rejection, discrimination, and often from close family members.
Saša, one of the users of the services of the Center for Psychological Support "Sensus" stated that the period of isolation and return to life with his parents was especially difficult. “My parents generally accept my sexual orientation, but it was very difficult mentally for me to return to that environment, where I feel that I am not fully accepted, and that by my parents. I had insomnia, nervousness and discomfort all the time, because I didn't feel comfortable there.“
Due to the observation, the Center for Psychological Support "Sensus" decided to seek help, in order to provide adequate support for lesbians, gay, bisexual and trans* people from Mostar, who were particularly affected by the pandemic. The European Union and the Council of Europe have recognised and financially supported the activity "LGBT mental health: psychological support to the LGBT community in Herzegovina", developed by the Center, with the aim of providing support through improving the skills of mental health professionals (psychotherapists), who will provide free psychotherapy sessions for the LGBT population.
The action will establish a system of psychosocial support for the LGBT community in Mostar and Herzegovina, ensuring equal rights to mental health services. Through educating mental health professionals on LGBT rights and issues, providing adequate individual and group counselling and psychotherapy for LGBT people, will be built a safe space for the community. “Through counselling, we strive to create a safe space in which our fellow citizens can receive support in terms of their gender identity, sexual orientation and other specific issues related to the lives of LGBT people“, states Sensus.
“The support I received through just two visits to the Center is huge for me. Until now, I thought I was completely alone in this city dealing with this "problem". Now I feel much more secure and confident, I know that at least one person accepts me as I am. In addition, I received a lot of useful information about LGBT people, which is very useful for me because somehow I am just finding and accepting myself, and it took me a long time“, says Marina, a user of free psychotherapy services at the Psychological Support Center Sensus.
It is important to emphasise that in Mostar and Herzegovina there is no organisation whose goal is special advocacy for human rights and social inclusion of LGBT people. The Psychological Support Center Sensus will continue to organise activities related to LGBT clients in identifying and addressing equal participation in all segments of life.
“Sensus“ is a beneficiary of the joint programme of the European Union and Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkan and Turkey 2019-2022“. The views expressed in this text are the responsibility of the author and do not represent the official views of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
