Content warning: this message references suicide.
Hello, Luc –
Acolhe LGBT+ saved my life. If I hadn't found this important project from All Out, I wouldn't be here to tell my story.
To be LGBT+ in Brazil is to be a survivor. As a bisexual black woman, I had already been subjected to hate, discrimination, and isolation for much of my life. It really took a toll on me. I had tried therapy, but it was so expensive, I had to stop going.
When the pandemic came, my mental health only got worse. I lost my job and it became impossible to find another one. I was struggling everyday to survive. I felt so hopeless. It brought me to a breaking point.
But then I found Acolhe LGBT+. Through this project from All Out, I was connected with an LGBT+-friendly therapist completely for free. She helped me find ways to cope with my anxiety and loneliness. From there, I was able to work on getting back on my feet.
If I hadn't gotten mental health care then, I would have taken my own life.
I've had terrible encounters in the past with other therapists. Once, when I told a therapist that I was bisexual, they told me that I was actually just "straight and wanted attention." It ended up causing more harm than good.
But now I have a therapist who is professional and ethical, who listens to me and understands me. She is also a black woman and that made a big difference for me.
Because of this support, I'm no longer just getting by. I want to live fully and completely! Because I know that I am worthy of care.
There are so many other LGBT+ people needing this kind of care and healing here in Brazil. But All Out needs your support to keep this project funded for another year.
Please, Luc, make a donation to support Acolhe LGBT+ today.
Um abraço,
Hera Marques
SOURCES:
●︎ More info on Acolhe LGBT+
● Acolhe LGBT+ website (in Portuguese)
● Report: LGBT+ people in the pandemic – Vote LGBT, June 2021 (in Portuguese)
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten