IDAHoBiT on 17 May and LGBT+ support during COVID-19

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT) marks the day in 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental health conditions. The 17th May is now a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities and also acknowledges the challenges that many of the LGBT+ community still face globally, including within the UK.

This year’s theme is ‘Breaking the Silence’ and focuses on ensuring that the voices of those within the LGBT+ community make so much “noise” that LGBT+ people across the world will hear the sound of hope and solidarity. The day is not a single campaign but is instead a moment of thousands of ideas and initiatives concentrating on a single vision: freedom and equality for all sexual, gender and bodily minorities around the world.

Support during COVID-19 lockdown

However, alongside the celebration it is important to recognise that the current COVID-19 crisis has resulted in additional barriers being in place for many of the LGBT+ community, including restricted access to healthcare, living with unaccepting friends or family and the impact of social isolation on mental health (Queer Voices Heard survey, March 2020). Additionally, it’s important to note that those with multiple minority identities are likely to be impacted further.

University LGBT+ support

There are a number of LGBT+ support measures in place to best support our LGBT+ students which can be found on the University’s website with additional resources specifically currated to help during this pandemic lockdown period whilst self-isolating and social distancing. This area also includes specific information for trans and non-binary students. Check out:

House of Pride – LGBTQ+ guide to self-isolation (PDF)
Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity – Trans Resilience in Isolation (PDF)
Stonewall – How LGBT-inclusive organisations can help

Local LGBT+ support based in Sussex

There are also a number of local and national LGBT+ organisations in place to support students, details of these can be found below.

AllSorts – Allsorts provide social groups, 121 support, and volunteering opportunities for young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure.
Clare Project – The Clare Project is a transgender support and social group based in Brighton and Hove open to anyone wishing to explore issues around gender identity.
MindOut – Provides a service for LGBT people with experience of mental health difficulties. 1 to 1 advice, information and advocacy, peer support groups, including a suicide prevention group.

If you’re a student but not currently Brighton or Eastbourne based, Stonewall provide a search function to find local support to each area.

National LGBT+ support

LGBT+ Switchboard – Switchboard is an LGBT+ helpline – a place for calm words when you need them most. They’re here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits and conversations are 100% confidential.
Mermaids UK – family and individual support for gender diverse and transgender children and young people. Mermaids is passionate about supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve a happier life in the face of great adversity.
MindLine Trans+ – a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary.
Gendered Intelligence provides youth groups, activities and support for young trans people up to the age of 25.
LGBT Consortium – directory of LGBTQ+ support services, including youth groups, throughout the UK.

Support for international students

And as some students have now returned to their home overseas, there’s the international LGBT+ organisation, ILGA World that can provide resources.

If you have any specific concerns or questions, please contact the Equality and Diversity Team – equality@brighton.ac.uk. Please look out for further communications on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting different equality groups.