Mental Health Program for LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers

We propose to expand its community work in mental health, focusing on structural contact-based support and an underserved population of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers. Given the severe shortage of bi-lingual LGBTQIA+-competent mental health providers, we will organize weekly therapy groups with an experienced bi-lingual therapist (with refreshments as our population experiences high levels of food insecurity), monthly peer support groups, monthly mental health community workshops, monthly policy advocacy activity (mass media appearances, meetings with elected officials and partner organizations and coalitions), bi-monthly volunteer training, mental health guide design and its translation into Russian, Ukrainian, Kazakh, and Uzbek languages. We will use Pier57 community spaces in Chelsea, NYC Pride, and the LGBT Center meeting spaces.

A rapidly increasing but largely invisible population of Eurasian LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in New York City (from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan). In their homelands, this population has experienced lifelong persecution, including homophobia, ethnic discrimination, religious persecution, and racism, often resulting in mental illness. In the U.S., negligible political, mental health, and social support exists for these non-English-speaking asylum seekers, which triggers additional trauma. LGBTQIA+ people often do not have the support of their families, society, or the government. They also encounter discrimination in areas in the U.S. where they tend to settle, notably in the conservative immigrant enclaves in New York City. There is still a disconnection between immigrant and LGBTQIA+ services and organizations. Thus, with nowhere to turn, LGBTQIA+ refugees reach out for support from volunteer community-based organizations like ours, which speak their language and welcome LGBTQIA+ immigrants. With the current political uncertainty that causes panic and fear among migrants, the community needs more supportive programs. They live in asylum shelters across the city, and we gather this community in central places like midtown and downtown Manhattan. This population faces a mental health crisis.

Limited English Speakers

Immigrants / Migrants

LGBTQIA+ People

Unhoused People