Mental health during the pandemic has been receiving much concern. Morbid reports on increasing number of deaths due to Covid 19 infection and suicides in the fear of being infected by the virus, often leads one towards depression and stress.
In a research study by Tamanna Nazli from Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, New Delhi and her co-authors, it was found that of 478 participants, 114, 64 and 29 were found to be diagnosed with mild, moderate and severe depression respectively during the pandemic. Surely this is disturbing in the premise of India’s over 136 crores population size. Allegedly there are 2.5 crores of gay men in India from this size. The other sections of the LGBTQ (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Queer) community haven’t been demographically categorised. In this premise, this statistic certainly upholds a newfound value and added concern.
Apart from the constant stigmatisation even after the annulment of Article 377 by the Supreme Court, the LGBTQ community faces new set of issues like intolerant heterosexuals identifying the former as ‘spreaders’ of the Coronavirus. Additionally, the increased risks of social rejection, undeniable bigotry and victimisation during Covid – 19 implicated lockdowns escalates the chances of developing depression and social anxiety.
An LGBTQ activist and filmmaker, Sonal Giani is the co-founder of youth LGBTQ initiative ‘Yaariyan’ and Mumbai based support group ‘Umang’ – a safe space for lesbians, bisexual women and transpersons. She has appeared in numerous talk shows, documentaries and films. A bisexual woman herself, her motive is sensitisation of stakeholders such as parents, educational institutes, corporate houses and politicians about sexual minorities. Dedicating over 13 years for the cause, she worked for Humsafar Trust, the oldest registered NGO operating for the LGBTQ+ rights in India.
In an interview with NewsKarnataka, she affirmed that there were unique stressors in the pandemic that have been affecting the community. A lot from the community had to return home which caused increased anxiety. This year, she found many who are closeted. “Co-habitation with their families is resulting in restricted social freedom and an increased pressure to come out. ‘It’s very claustrophobic.’ Due to the dependency on their families, a lot of them had to succumb to homophobic or transphobic comments that come their way,” Sonal added.
The activist informed that due to the pandemic’s abruptness last year, the hormonal medications for trans-masculine persons were stopped mid-way. Since certain injections aren’t considered as essential medication, they didn’t have access to it. The top three issues that was observed to be faced by the community was ration, medication and rent. Furthermore, restrictions on government identification for the transgender population during Covid – 19 has worsened the case, resulting in deprivation of basic facilities.
Sonal disclosed that gender dysphoria is causing more mental stress in the community. Issues such as less number of therapists who are queer affirmative and unaffordability of professional help tag along with this issue. “The rate of people identifying as clinically depressed in the community is pretty high. There has been an increase of access to the support services that we provide during the pandemic,” she claimed. She expressed that Umang has free counsellors who help them overcome their depression and other mental health issues.
Through the lens of proactivity, turning a blind eye to the LGBTQ community during such an extraordinary time should be avoided by the society. In this premise, the government of India needs to announce some policies of change for the community specifically. “They have not announced schemes particular to the LGBTQ community. There should be a legal ban of conversion therapy. There should a strict discriminatory code as well,” Sonal affirmed.
Campaigns addressing the community about Covid 19 is the need of the hour. Since some people in the community like the sex workers need to be in business, they don’t completely grasp the implications of Coronavirus. As a society, we need to be more vocal about gender and sexuality. There should be ample resources available for parents to fathom what their child is going through, since such dilemmas should be handled at the roots.
Openness, acceptance, as well as empathy towards the LGBTQ+ community would elicit a greater difference in developing mental health. So if you’re noticing a friend who is queer and whose mental health is appearing to deteriorate then connect them to support spaces. Donations to the Humsafar Trust would help specifically for community to get ration, necessary medications, and therapy fees. It goes a long way if you do your part to help build a progressive and a harmonious society, especially during a pandemic that we’re presently experiencing.
Image courtesy DamianLugowski by Pixabay
