The training, which was held at KTAMS on 19 December 2023 within the scope of the Helix Project, financed by the European Union under the “Cypriot Civil Society in Action VIII” Grant Program and carried out by the Queer Cyprus Association, was designed, and provided to social service and mental health experts working in the “Social Service Department” and non-governmental organizations. In the training given by Psychological Counselor K. Can Eren from ‘Pembe Hayat Association’, general definitions regarding gender identity and diversity, misconceptions and gender affirmation processes of trans people were touched upon. In the training, case examples were shared about working with adults, adolescents, and children with diverse gender identities.
The comprehensive and accurate access to information for professionals working with LGBTI+ individuals and the sensitive points to be considered in case studies were conveyed. More than 30 people attended the training organized in cooperation with the Queer Cyprus Association and the Turkish Cypriot Public Servants Union; and “Social Service Department” Director Alev Ecevit gave certificates of participation to the participants at the end of the training.
The Helix Project aims to contribute to the better protection of the human rights of LGBTI+ individuals in the northern part of Cyprus. The project’s goal is to follow a process that will enhance the resilience of the LGBTI+ community in general, and the Queer Cyprus Association and its activists in particular.
In the statement, it was reminded that all LGBTI+ people who are discriminated and want to access social services can reach the Queer Cyprus Association Solidarity Line at +90 (542) 858 58 47, 7 days a week, between 10:00-22:00, via message or phone call.