Continuing the psychological support it offers to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Collectif Arc-en-Ciel (CAEC) is now offering a listening and support service for their parents and loved ones.
The sessions, free of charge and by appointment, are run by psychologist Amanda Sadien every Saturday, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, at the CAEC offices in Quatre-Bornes.
This service, a first in Mauritius, meets a real need to facilitate access to trained health professionals sensitive to the difficulties faced by parents of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“The aim is neither to convince nor to force parents to accept. It’s first and foremost an accompaniment, aimed at filling an information gap. Through the sessions, I give them the tools to better understand their child and the impact their reactions have had, or may have, on the child’s mental well-being. The idea is to take the taboo out of certain subjects, so that these families can discuss them freely and come to a mutual understanding,” explains the psychologist.
Indeed, even if access to information is now easier, dialogue between parents and children often remains difficult, mainly because of prejudices and unspoken ideas. “Parents and relatives also need to express their feelings, often linked to guilt, disappointment or fear. They need to understand their own emotions, so as to be able to fully support their child and help him or her flourish. This new service is at the heart of our mission, which is to work towards a society free of stigmatization, discrimination and psychological violence linked to sexual orientation and gender identity”, emphasizes Jean-Daniel Wong, Director of the CAEC.
The listening service is free and available by appointment only, by calling 5919 2232.
Three one-hour individual sessions are offered every Saturday.
This project joins other free initiatives and services offered by the CAEC to ensure the well-being of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, such as psychological support (in place for four years), art therapy sessions, zumba classes, an accessible and welcoming co-working space, a social and legal advice service, and rapid screening tests for sexually transmitted infections, as well as appropriate support and information on sexual health.
