What in particular impacts LGBTQIA+ mental health and wellness?
LGBTQIA+ people face unique mental health challenges, due to persistent discrimination, social exclusion, and systemic barriers in healthcare, housing and employment. Many of us have experienced rejection, bullying, or isolation. Even within healthcare, many LGBTQIA+ individuals report poor experiences, including misgendering or a lack of cultural understanding, leading to delayed care or opting-out altogether. Mainstream services often don’t meet our community’s needs, while private therapy is financially out of reach. People with intersectional identities are often impacted more. At Queerwell we focus on prevention, creating a sense of community, belonging and empowerment – creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ people feel seen, heard, and supported to thrive.
So, who inspires you?
Firstly, I’d like to mention Maari Nastari, co-founder of Queerwell, a trans woman of colour, who we sadly lost last December. She gave 19 years of her life to providing support to LGBTQIA+ people facing homelessness, housing issues and domestic violence. Queerwell delivers its work in memory of her. Secondly, the LGBTQIA+ community also inspires me, especially those who get out of bed every day and face a world where they may experience discrimination, isolation, loneliness, anxiety and other forms of poor mental health. That is the biggest achievement – getting up and facing the world. It can be so hard for many LGBTQIA+ people, which is why Queerwell will be there for them.
How can people support Queerwell?
Queerwell is creating radical, affirming support, including therapy, coaching, and creative healing spaces that actually work for our community. We’re done waiting. With your help, we’ll build a future where every queer person gets the care they deserve. Be the change. Please donate to our #BeWell25 campaign, so that we can launch our services this summer. For example, £25 could ensure a person can access a learning space workshop or PlayShop. We want to focus on delivering our services in places where there are fewer options. You can also provide support to Queerwell as a volunteer or practitioner – all our therapists, coaches and facilitators are paid. And, you can fundraise for us.