Queer Cyprus Association held the fourth session of its thematic discussion series as part of the Helix Project, financed under the European Union Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by the Queer Cyprus Association. The session was titled “Mental Health and Well-being: Combating Social Isolation, Stigma, and Discrimination”. The event took place at the Queer Cyprus Association with the participation of activists and community members from both the northern and southern parts of Cyprus.
The discussion focused on the mental health issues faced by both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot LGBTI+ individuals due to social stigma, family pressure, and discrimination. Participants also evaluated the different cultural approaches and legal frameworks present on both sides of the island. The lack of legal protection in the north and the influence of religious authorities in the south were highlighted as factors negatively affecting the mental health of LGBTI+ individuals.
The political division of the island was discussed as a barrier to LGBTI+ individuals’ access to safe spaces, healthcare services, and support networks. Participants noted that crossing checkpoints can create accessibility challenges, leaving some without the support they need. The lack of joint LGBTI+ networks was also emphasized as a factor that increases feelings of loneliness.
The main barriers to accessing LGBTI+-inclusive mental health support were listed as social stigma, economic constraints, lack of adequately trained mental health professionals, and language barriers. It was pointed out that traditional religious discourses on the island negatively impact individuals’ self-acceptance. Family pressure and cultural norms were said to make many LGBTI+ individuals feel unsafe in their homes, deeply affecting their mental health.
The traumas experienced by trans and non-binary individuals due to lack of access to affirming healthcare services were also addressed. Participants emphasized the importance of training mental health professionals in LGBTI+-friendly approaches and expanding publicly supported free services.
By the end of the event, a consensus was reached on the need for activists to develop advocacy strategies centred on mental health, work in collaboration with professional organizations, and establish inclusive and bilingual support mechanisms on both sides of the island. Joint Pride marches and campaigns were cited as successful examples, with a call to further expand such collaborations.
The event was the fourth in the series of thematic discussions organized in collaboration with Accept LGBTQI and Queer Collective under the Helix Project. The project aims to bring current issues faced by LGBTI+ individuals across Cyprus to the forefront and create a common ground for advocacy.
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