Blog
There’s A Hotline For Reporting Conversion Therapy Efforts
LGBT mental health is not a commonly discussed matter in Lebanon. Among the many traumatic experiences LGBT+ individuals have to deal with is the criminal act of conversion therapy.
For those who don’t know, conversion “therapy” practices is the pseudoscientific practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual. This is normally done using abusive psychological practices that aim to break individuals down, or sometimes physical aversion (the use of electric shock). It is a harrowing practice that has claimed the lives and mental health of so many.
But we’re happy to report that there are groups actively working against it in Lebanon. LebMASH is an organisation advocating for LGBT-welcoming and LGBT-affirming environments, especially in healthcare. On their website, you will find a list of LGBT-friendly clinicians, ranging from dermatologists to psychotherapists.
One major part of their initiative is a hotline dedicated to reporting sexual orientation change efforts (or conversion therapy). To reach them, call 76 085 714 or send them an email to info@lebmash.org in order to report the experience anonymously. The organization will provide you with the needed support to deal with the experience.
This is a big step for marginalized LGBT+ individuals who have not been able to seek help or share their experiences. It is heartbreaking to know that many still have to deal with things as traumatizing as conversion therapy, alongside many other daily struggles.
LebMASH is a safe space, and their website includes many health professionals who will ensure their safety and fair service.
So much love to our LGBTQI+ community in Lebanon.
For those who don’t know, conversion “therapy” practices is the pseudoscientific practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual. This is normally done using abusive psychological practices that aim to break individuals down, or sometimes physical aversion (the use of electric shock). It is a harrowing practice that has claimed the lives and mental health of so many.
But we’re happy to report that there are groups actively working against it in Lebanon. LebMASH is an organisation advocating for LGBT-welcoming and LGBT-affirming environments, especially in healthcare. On their website, you will find a list of LGBT-friendly clinicians, ranging from dermatologists to psychotherapists.
One major part of their initiative is a hotline dedicated to reporting sexual orientation change efforts (or conversion therapy). To reach them, call 76 085 714 or send them an email to info@lebmash.org in order to report the experience anonymously. The organization will provide you with the needed support to deal with the experience.
This is a big step for marginalized LGBT+ individuals who have not been able to seek help or share their experiences. It is heartbreaking to know that many still have to deal with things as traumatizing as conversion therapy, alongside many other daily struggles.
LebMASH is a safe space, and their website includes many health professionals who will ensure their safety and fair service.
So much love to our LGBTQI+ community in Lebanon.