The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the disproportionate mental health needs of queer persons around the globe. The pandemic has resulted in an increase of mental strain on queer persons, while simultaneously depriving them of community support. A sense of community which has proved to be critical for queer persons who often find themselves alone in dealing with bias, stigma, and discrimination.
Given the mental health needs of queer individuals, multiple peer support groups prove to be a shelter for refuge. Peer Support groups, especially the ones facilitated by queer persons, enable individuals to express their feelings & thoughts without inhibitions within a safe and diverse space. And given the need of the hour, many of these support groups have shifted to an online medium.
This Pride month, Belongg Mental Health Collective has put together a list of such online peer support groups for queer folx, by queer folx.
- DQC Dialogues and Queer of a Kind by Swayam Foundation
Swayam Foundation currently offers two support groups:
- DQC Dialogues, hosted on Zoom ( Every Thursday at 7 PM IST) in partnership with Delhi Queer Confessions.This group is strictly for folks who identify as queer.
- ‘Queer of a Kind’ on Clubhouse (10.00 PM IST on Sunday Nights) is open to those who may have or continue to practice ‘queerness’ but are either not comfortable with the identity in public or are unable to see themselves on the spectrum currently.
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/swayamfoundationindia/
Email ID: info@swayamfoundation.co.in
2. Listening Circle by Nazariya QFRG
About the support group-
Covid-19 has impacted the LGBT*QIA community in varied ways. One of the many impacts of Covid-19 has been- mental health and well-being of the community. Mental health care, as we know is expensive and inaccessible and there are only a few therapists who are queer and trans friendly. There is also a constant need to connect with each other and listen and express our loneliness, fear, anxieties, losses and thereby delve deep and tap our own selves. A Listening Circle will give us all the space to talk, rant, share our experiences and thereby, extend our solidarity to each other.
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/nazariya.qfrg/
Email ID: nazariya.qfrg@gmail.com
3. Listening Circle:. A Virtual Queer Support Space
About the support group-
The Support Space is anchored by Mohammed (co-founder of the Polyglamorous Polys, a support space for polyamorous people) as well as Priyanka (co-founder of the Ace/Aro Support Space, a support space for asexuals and aromantics).The anchors are present in every session, the moderation is done by a therapist/counsellor or someone trained in mental health services. The space is only for queer people and is provided free of cost.
Contact number: +91 9632645889
Email ID: priyankachkrbrt292@gmail.com
4. LGBTQIA+ WhatsApp Support Group by Xomonnoy
About the support group-
Xomonnoy, a queer group based in Assam, have started a peer support group for LGBTQIA+ persons and their friends and family on Whatsapp.
For more information, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/xomonnoy/
Email ID: xomonnoy@gmail.com
5. Queer Support Group by Pause for Perspective
About the support group-
The Queer Support Group invites queer persons who are are looking to find a safe space to explore, express and find support and community in their journey with a mental health experience. This is a psychotherapy support group for queer folk. Experiences of being queer in a patriarchal cis-heteronormative world are explored. The group is supposed to be a relaxed, conversational one. Individuals may take away reflections and insights into their life and a support group to fall back on regularly. The group will be facilitated by Queer counselors who are also queer affirmative practitioners. They charge Rs. 100/- + GST per session.
For more information, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/pauseforperspective/
Contact number: 8106864001
Frequency of Sessions: Twice a month.
Email ID: pause.perspective@gmail.com
6. QYSSA: Queer Youth Solidarity, Support, and Affirmation by Queerabad
About the support group-
Queerabad welcomes queer folx (under the age of 25) to come, hang out, listen, chat, share experiences, ask questions, and even read a poem or two.
This is a platform that exists to make sure you are seen and remind you you are not alone. QYSSA works to meet your needs, as they change and evolve, and become a place you can find a community and always come back to. Nothing more than what you are comfortable doing is expected of you, so don’t worry, just give it a shot, take a chance on us, we’ve got you.
*QYSSA is open to young folx from anywhere in South Asia… or the world, if the time difference works for you! It is run as a collaboration between QueerAbad and Anahita Sarabhai.
Frequency: Every Wednesday
For more information, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/queerabad/
Email ID: queerabad@gmail.com
7. Queer Listening Circle
About the support group-
Based in Delhi, Queer Listening Circle has functioned as a space to strengthen capacities for listening amongst the queer community since 2019. The listening circles are faciliated by queer persons and are restricted to individuals who identify as queer.
For more information, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/queer_listening_circle/
Email ID: queerlisteningcircle@gmail.com
8. Queer Justice Healing Circle by One Future Collective
About the support group-
Times are tough, and community can help you find hope and healing. Queer Justice Healing Circle is a support group for queer persons who are facing or have faced family violence.The circle is facilitated by a qualified Mental Health Professional.
For more information, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/onefuturecollective/
Email ID: info@onefuturecollective.org
9. The Plane Jar: Safe Space
About the support group-
The Plane Jar started an online support group during this unpredictable period of lockdown. It is absolutely free of cost. It is a non-judgemental, confidential space for anyone who wishes to attend and/or share their stories and struggles.
For more information, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/theplanejar/
Email ID: theplanejar@gmail.com.
10. LGBTQIA+ Support Group by Manaswini
About the support group-
Facilitated by Manaswini, a counsellor, this is a virtual support group for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Sessions occur monthly (Sat/Sun) & the entry fee is Rs. 100.
For more information, visit their Instagram page- @manaswinning.
Email ID: manaswini.v66@gmail.com
