"Outed" Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual persons are evicted from homes, learning institutions, rejected by family and even assaulted because the society is generally intolerant of sexual minorities. Old aged gay persons also face stigma and oftentimes, lack support structures in their old age. The project is envisioned not only as a safe space for outed LGBs, for immediate safety evacuation and counseling, but also for economic empowerment. Old aged persons will also have a home and a support system.
During a coming out phase, some LGB persons are most vulnerable to violence, substance abuse, or risky behaviors and the risk for suicidal behavior is greater. Aged LGBs are profoundly uncertain that family care and social services that are primarily designed to meet heterosexual peoples' needs will be able to respond to their own specific requirements.
The project will provide a safe space for evicted LGBs, counseling and economic empowerment and where possible, seek their reconciliation and reintegration.One of the single important factors mentioned by our members as reason for their increased vulnerability to HIV and violence is their inability to have meaningful and sustainable means of earning a living. Entrepreneurial training will address these vulnerabilities.
This shelter will help reduce incidences of substance abuse which many LGBs do in an attempt to self-medicate depression or relieve loneliness which exposes them to increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. As a long term strategy, the shelter will be expanded to also take in aged gay persons who face the prospect of their support family from and social networks falling away.
