The Ecosystem Society of NMU hosted an event at North Campus NMU on the 15 of October to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) and which aims to provide equal justice and opportunity for all LGBT people, as well as to highlight the mental health struggles many in the communities face in the hope of helping raise awareness and better ensuring they receive the care and support needed to enable the right outcomes.
After the event we interviewed the Chairperson of the society that hosted this event Monalisa M, who shared the advice she would give to LGBT people and the whole of South Africa about LGBT and mental health. “I Wish everyone can support LGBT people and not bash them as it affects their mental health and to LGBT people I want you to know that being LGBT is not a mental disorder you are okay, just accept that, and if you feel like it’s affecting you mentally and you struggling to accept don’t hesitate to get help ASAP because YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS”, She Said.
Speaking to Ayanda N who is Gay about how these events help and are they worth attending, would he recommend it to LGBT people, He then responded and said “It helps a lot to attend such events and they are worth attending because its so much fun. Being Gay back in the days was not accepted in black communities and because of that growing up was hard, the judgements and shaming all affected me a lot mentally but I was strong enough to overcome everything as I grow up and these LGBT events make it even better, experiencing the support we get from our brothers and sisters and getting to meet other LGBT people, the awareness that you not alone in this is just priceless ”.
LGBT people are more likely to experience negative health and life outcomes, therefore it is important for the parents, guardians, and other family members and the communities of LGBT people to ensure that they protect and support them.
