“Queer Hearts United: New Emotional Health Sessions”

### Queer Emotional Health Sessions Kick Off

Hey everyone, we’ve got exciting news sparking conversation across our community: the introduction of **Queer Emotional Health Sessions**, a important program crafted to support the emotional and mental well-being of Filipino LGBTQI+ individuals. This initiative takes its cue from a groundbreaking regional mental health report by APCOM, launched on World Mental Health Day 2025. It’s designed to confront the often unspoken challenges many of us encounter, such as depression, anxiety, and the burdens of familial rejection or harassment on the streets.

#### Importance for Our Bakla, Trans, and Queer Family

The statistics in the Philippines are a wake-up call: almost 47% of LGBTQI+ individuals experience persistent unhappiness, with moderate depression reflected in an average PHQ-9 score of 8.36, significantly higher than the general populace. According to the APCOM Regional Report, Ferdie Buenviaje, President of TLF SHARE, emphasized that young queer and trans individuals endure more mental health issues compared to their straight counterparts, largely due to societal stigma. However, only 27% of those in need actually receive the necessary services. These new sessions, spearheaded by organizations like TLF SHARE, aim to change this narrative by offering affirming, culturally sensitive support.

#### Transforming Research into Real Conversations

This initiative builds on APCOM’s recommendations to train community-based organizations (CBOs) in LGBTQI+-sensitive counseling, advocate for policy reform, and create judgment-free spaces for open dialogue. Envision free group meetings, personal counseling, and self-love workshops inspired by the Psychological Association of the Philippines’ Lusog-Isip resources, ideal for promoting inner peace during Pride Month celebrations. With these sessions, barriers like cost or the absence of queer-friendly professionals are dismantled; they are crafted by us, for us.

#### Paving the Way for Community Empowerment

Imagine sessions launching in places like Manila, Cebu, and extending further, starting January 2026, with partners also incorporating mental health support into HIV services. This is crucial, especially for older LGBTQI+ individuals living with HIV, as underscored by leaders like those from Thailand’s Poz Home Center. This isn’t just about discussion; it’s about building resilience and breaking down stigma. Allies, funders, governments, we invite you to join in making mental health a right, not a privilege. For everyone, let’s flourish together! Sign up through TLF SHARE or local CBOs and secure your spot. This is our time to shine.

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