LGBTQ+ and Mental Health

LGBTQ+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Firstly, the term gay refers to individuals that are attracted to other people of their same gender (a preferred term for women is lesbian). Secondly, the term bisexual refers to someone attracted to both genders in varying degrees. Thirdly, transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth and queer is an individual that is not heterosexual but doesn’t necessarily fit into the “labels” previously mentioned. Finally, the “plus” refers to individuals who don’t consider themselves to be straight nor part of the LGBTQ. In fact, a recent study by Stonewall found that :

• Half of the LGBTQ+ community has experienced depression and three out of five have experienced anxiety.
• One out of eight LGBTQ+ people aged 18-24 have attempted to end their life at some point.
• Almost half of trans people have thought about taking their lives.

However, it is important to note that being part of the community does not automatically mean that the person will develop a mental illness, rather they are at a higher risk because of the discrimination they face.

Among the discrimination experienced, is the prosecution of people of the community under the article 534 of the penal code stating that “any carnal union against the order of nature shall be punished with imprisonment for up to one year”. Nevertheless, multiple judges tried to stop this article from including LGBTQ+ individuals such as Judge Mounir Sleiman (2009), Judge Naji el Dahdah (2014), Judge El Kontar (2016) and Judge Rabih Maalouf (2017).

Sadly, in areas where the topic is still a big taboo this law is still being used to prosecute and discriminate against people that are part of the community.

In addition, in Lebanon these individuals do not have access to equitable health care where some doctors believe that homosexuality is a disease, using this reason as an excuse to refuse to provide care for these patients. A study also revealed the prominence of conversion therapy where prescription hormones are used to change one’s sexual identity, leading to detrimental effects on their mental health. Not to forget, the housing crisis faced by the community, including their inability to pay rent as well as their need to relocate and change their living arrangement with barely any safe living spaces. Some had to go back to abusive and unsafe environments, while others were forced into overcrowded houses where they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during the pandemic.

One prominent problem in Lebanon is the lack of freedom of expression and existence for the LGBTQ+ community members. One prime example is the cancellation of the Beirut Pride event in 2018, after the detainment of its organizer Hadi Damien in Hbeich. Another one, is a similar event where organizers had been forced to cancel the concert after receiving threats of violence against the theater and its participants.

It is safe to say that the Beirut explosion had detrimental effects on the entirety of the Lebanese population, however individuals of the community face their own struggles. Mar Mikhael and Gemmayze, both known to be safe environments for the community, were destroyed in the explosion and lots of people could not feel as safe in their streets. Some were forced to return to homes where they were not safe. Furthermore, while unemployment increased by 40% in the general population 80% of them were part of the LGBTQ+. Lastly, an increase in mental illness prevalence and an increase in already existing symptoms was also perceived post blast.

Outing, is the process in which someone discloses the sexual orientation or gender identity of an LGBTQ+ person without their consent. This can lead to dangerous outcomes in the non-accepting environment found in  Lebanon. Which is why it is important to be mindful of confidentiality and disclosure, as well as to think before we speak so we don’t out someone unintentionally and it is also important to communicate with our loved ones and establish their boundaries and their status around people. Most importantly, it is always for the better to allow the individual in question, to decide on what they consider to be a safe space and the right time they would like to come out because it is not our identity to share or our story to tell, but it’s theirs.

On a brighter side, regardless of the inequity in Lebanon some public figures still managed to come out to represent Lebanese queerness, such as:

• Hammed Sinno the lead singer of Mashrou Leila a band that began in 2008 and had concerts all the way from Canada to France and Tunisia. They received lots of praise as well as shares and subscriptions on Spotify and Youtube, but also received criticisms specially from Lebanese authorities and religious figures. This led to the cancellation of their concert in 2018 after they received death threats from Lebanese individuals.
• Moe khansa is a taboo busting belly dancer best known for releasing “Khayef” music video, a recreation of Mohammad Abed Al Wahab’s song “Khayef Akoul eli fi Albi”. In which he sings and belly dances while tackling issues of contemporary masculinity.
• Haaz Sleiman: He came out in 2017 and recently played a role in “Eternals” a Marvel movie where he had a gay love interest.  He came up with the idea to talk to his lover in Arabic and claims he never thought he would see this on screen let alone be the one to act it out. However, he states he was close to tears when he realized the movie was banned in some Arab countries.
• Anya Kneez, an important name in Drag she travelled back from the US to Lebanon and believes Lebanese queerness must be represented.  Which led her to start drag in Lebanon where she creates her own costumes with Arabic influence.
• Shaden Esperanza, known to be a stand-up comedian, initially struggled to accept the fact that she was a part of the community. Her sister had already come out to their parents who initially had a negative reaction. However, her mother made sure she created a safe environment for her daughters where they could be themselves.
• Joseph Kai: known for a book he published known as “l’intranquille” featuring a queer individual in a post-apocalyptic age, 30 years after the civil war. In his book his aim is to represent queerness because of his belief of the alienation of the people of the community.
• Yara el khawam, a Lebanese actress who was kicked out of her house after coming out and faced mental illness like OCD, depression, and anxiety. She is now an advocate for the community as well as for mental health on tiktok and Instagram.

There are multiple ways in which we can support people of the community such as:

• Staying informed on its topics.
• Speaking up when we are witnessing homophobia or violence.
• Listening to LGBTQ+ people, and making sure their voices are heard.
• Being a role model for kindness and inclusion.
• Come out as an ally regardless of our sexual identity and orientation.
• Create a safe space where people can be themselves.
• Supporting equality.

Furthermore, we can refer whoever is in need to NGOs such as Marsa, SIDC, LEBMASH, Helem, One more cup and Proud Lebanon.

Finally, it is important to always make sure the impact you have on the people around you is a positive one because as Ralph Waldo Emerson states: “You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”