Six new guides that support vulnerable LGBTQI+ people

LGBTQI+ people are more exposed to violence, discrimination, rejection and stigmatization. This makes them more vulnerable to depression and suicidal thoughts.

In a context where mental health is often neglected in public policies, the association Vers Paris sans sida (Paris without Aids) has set up an innovative project to improve the mental health of LGBTQI+ people.

This program has resulted in the production of practical mental health self-orientation guides and the training of 23 mental health ambassadors from LGBTQI+ associations and collectives.

The mental health self-orientation pocket guides are aimed at 6 different audiences : gay and bi men, lesbian and bisexual women, trans and intersex people, LGBTQI+ seniors, migrants and exiles, and people practicing chemsex.

These guides, available in print and in digital form, provide information and guidance for LGBTQI+ people, offering mental health resources and a warm welcome in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis. They list hospitals, associations, listening services and meeting places, staffed by professionals and people aware of the issue.

This program, the first of its kind in France, has trained 23 LGBTQI+ mental health ambassadors to become referents for these issues within their associations and collectives.

Among the structures represented: Afrique Arc-en-ciel (AAEC), AIDES Paris, AIDES 93, l'Association pour la reconnaissance des droits des personnes homosexuelles et trans à l'immigration et au séjour (Ardhis), le Centre LGBTQI+, le Collectif Intersexe Activiste, FLIRT, Gabr-iel-le, Les Dégommeuses, le Mag Jeunes LGBT+, CIA, OUTrans, la Pride des banlieues and Saint-Denis LGBTQI+.