Creating an LGBTQ Safe Space – Beat the COVID Impact

In these times of COVID – 19 pandemic, could we be facing a silent threat to our mental health and wellbeing? Understanding the roots, effects and ways to mitigate these threats can help us actively manage, even if we cannot avoid this situation entirely.

Living through this pandemic can affect us in several ways ranging from physiology to our ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Striving to understand these elements fully would be key to building positive actions.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, the pandemic and lockdown pose unique challenges, discussed below are a few, which may be difficult to perceive if one is not from the LGBTQ+ community. Being aware of them can help organisations and teammates support each other’s mental well being.

Closeted lives

The lockdown is forcing LGBTQ+ people into further isolation making them more closeted. Even at home, the levels of acceptance can differ which can impact their gender identity or sexual orientation. Now, with the lockdown, and having to be with one’s family, there could be a need for greater emotional support.

Decreased privacy

LGBTQ+ people may face privacy issues if they live in busy homes. Lesser spaces can affect how authentic they feel with having to put up a front that does not reflect their true selves. Stress may have an impact even when things come back to normal.

Victims of abuse

In extreme cases, individuals may be subject to physical and emotional abuse from their families simply for who they are which can take its toll. For those who live with their partners, there may be issues of domestic abuse.

Job security concerns

Just like most, job security will be a concern for the LGBTQ+ people for whom it is a tool signifying independence and autonomy more than mere income. It is in times like these that LGBTQ+ people are most vulnerable and would need support from organisations.

Beyond India, research across countries the world over indicates that LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of mental health issues. Hence, it is important to invest in mental health support and promote mental fitness. Remember to de-stigmatise conversations around mental health which
could be a way forward.

Best practices across organisations include a proactive approach towards: Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP), investment in mental health awareness through training and workshops, mental fitness coaching (using organisations such as Sanctus) and celebrating certain days such
as World Mental Health Day to signify an open culture.

Being committed to mental health has numerous benefits – from employee engagement, productivity, your employer brand to business performance. Why wouldn’t you want those things? At its core, the humane touch can create goodwill and well being for the people around you.

LGBTQ Safe Space Webinar, presented by Interweave and in collaboration with Dee Jas and Anitha Rajnarayan will have candid conversations around the messaging in this blog. Particularly challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, addressing questions and an opportunity to learn and share from each other’s experiences will be the key focus.

Since it is a closed group session, we will be able to accommodate only 20 participants (from the LGBTQ community) on a first-come-first-served basis. Do circulate this to your employees and let us know how many slots you would like us to keep for you.

Written by:

Sandra Sebastian with inputs from Smitha Chellappan and Dee Jas (founder @ colourful)