Sadag launches support group for young LGBT+ individuals
The group plans to gather every last Friday of the month.
Sadag is launching a new online support group for LGBT+ individuals on Friday, November 24.
The South African depression and anxiety group (Sadag) said this group is meant to be a safe and supportive space for LGBT+ individuals.
On Friday, November 24 and every last Friday of the month thereafter, Sadag support group leader Tarika will host free online meetings for young adults, aged 18-35.
“Not having people you can relate to about sexuality and/or gender identity is an incredibly isolating and othering experience. I have first-hand experience with that, so I wanted to help create a space where LGBT+ people can connect. I hope the support group will help foster a sense of community and camaraderie among the members,” Tarika said.
Sadag project manager Krystle Kemp said: “We believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from sharing our stories. Support groups are a space for individuals to come together, uplift each other, and build lasting connections.”
Rekord reached out to a LGBT+ individual in the metro for their views.
“As a queer person, I really appreciate what Sadag is offering to the queer community. We as queer people encounter a lot of problems in that we are not getting counselling assistance, and many queer people are victimised every day, which is now seen as a norm.
Having the assistance of Sadag will be very beneficial because many queer people will be able to find solutions to their trauma,” said Saulsville resident, Itumeleng Gift Mombezi.
Mombezi is also a member of the first ANC LGBT+ committee formed in Tshwane. The ANC LGBTQIAP+ sub-committee launched its zonal structure in Atteridgeville in September last year.
Catherine Keyworth, manager of Arcadia of CID NPC said she believes that the move is hugely progressive and addresses a need that has been ignored for far too long.
“It’s about damn time. The needs of the LGBT+ community are really nuanced and I think that Sadag accessing the people that don’t have the socio-economic resources readily available to them… let’s go in there and get people the support and help they need.
Mental health is already very stigmatised in South Africa so for the LGBT+ community it’s even more exacerbated. Let’s remove all those barriers and stigmas and connect,” she said.
For more information or to RSVP for this support group, please contact Tarika on 082 946 9401 or a Sadag counsellor via WhatsApp on 087 163 2030 (08:00-17:00), SMS 31393 or phone 0800 456 789 (24/7).
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