Adjusting to the Covid-19 regulation of staying at home might have come easy to some who feel accepted and cared for in their home. However, this is definitely, not everyone’s reality.

There are cases were staying at home is not as simple as relaxing with their family and watching their favourite series until they drop.

This is the case for a number of LGBTIQ+ individuals who come from a home where they do not feel supported by their families. They might feel unsafe, unwanted or unaccepted by their relatives who find it difficult to understand their position.

Speaking to this newsroom, Maltese LGBTIQ+ NGOs explained that they have received a number of distressed calls from individuals who are feeling trapped in their own home. What is worse is that their connection to the community has been severed due to events being cancelled and not being able to meet their peers.

The Malta Independent spoke with Willingness Team, which gave an idea of the challenges that these individuals face in these circumstances while giving advice on how to cope with these stresses.

“Being forced to isolate in a place where you feel like you cannot be yourself can bring out stronger feelings of isolation. This situation can create a sense of being monitored and having to change one’s behaviour in order to adapt to the household mentality,” the team explained.

This in itself can already pose risks for increased stress and anxiety, especially on top of the stress that COVID-19 has already created.

The team explained that the main thing to keep in mind when faced with this predicament is that the current situation is temporary and, at some point restrictions will start to lift.

In the meantime, there are ways to stay positive and occupied, starting with strengthening one’s connections. “In this time, it is important to stay in contact with your friends and also partners, luckily we are blessed with various platforms on which to communicate online.”

These platforms can also be used to stay connected to the community.

There are various local and international LGBTIQ+ Facebook Groups that one can join to feel connected despite being unable to meet in person. “There are various people in the same situation, and what better time to support and be there for each other.”

Similarly, one can follow Facebook Pages of local LGBTIQ+ organisations, namely Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), Checkpoint Malta and LGBTIQ+ Gozo who are working hard on organising online activities, as well as offering their practical support.

 

One event to look out for is Pride Online, which is being hosted by the largest Pride Associations worldwide; Interpride and the European Pride.

These associations are organizing a ‘Global Pride’ to be celebrated online in June. The plan is to have 24-hour live streamed Pride events online, especially in support of persons in the LGBTIQ+ community who are currently in difficult situations.

The team also suggested that this is an ideal time to make use of one’s creative skills online and offer their help to these organisations. “Research shows that it is beneficial for our own mental health when we are taking care of others.”

Another coping mechanism the team suggested is reframing the situation you are in.

“Find ways to express yourself and stay true to yourself, by taking the time indoors to learn new skills, and maybe find ways to communicate or spend time with the people in your household in this way,” the team explained. “Try and stay positive by looking for the good in those around you and trying to release any tension by focusing on that part of the relationship.”

Finally, it is important to always seek support when it gets too much or simply need someone to speak to by making use of the various mental health services being offered online.

The Malta Independent also asked for what advice they would give to those individuals who might have lost their home in these circumstances because they were either kicked out or because they chose to not stay within this restrictive environment.

The team pointed out that every 4 in 10 LGBTIQ+ persons say they feel or have felt rejected by their community at some point in their life.

“Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone in this situation and with the right support and mindset, it can get better. Unfortunately, in this time, we have to, more than ever, focus on what we can control and leave little time for us to ponder on that which we can’t.”

Instead of fighting against it, the team said that this is the perfect time to throw oneself into a fresh start since even if become independent and completely self-sufficient, may not have been something in one’s immediate plans, it does not mean that it cannot be a positive thing.

“The situation of COVID-19 does not allow us the liberty to shop around and decorate our newly established safe-space, but this does not mean you cannot get creative and make your new living quarters, yours, even if temporary.”

Additionally, living alone or with new people, can be a new opportunity for self-discovery, and learning new ways of being in the comfort of a safe space.

Willigness Team, a multidisciplinary team of professionals who offer services related to family sex and health. For anyone seeking support, you can message the Willingness Team Facebook chat with #COVID. Willingness Team Professionals are also offering online therapy on secure platforms, and support.  They can be contacted through [email protected] or 79291817.