+256- 726639424 / +256- 784393885
Nabulagala, Uganda
QUEER VISION
UGANDA
“Breaking barriers, building bridges to LBQ mental health”
ABOUT US
Queer Vision Uganda (QVU) is a feminist non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer womxn and all individuals who identify with the LBQ identity. Queer Vision Uganda was established in June 2023 following the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. The organization came up as a timely response to the then fast growing rate of suicide and poor mental health among LBQ women.
Starting as an online arrangement of a lesbian University student providing mental health support to other LBQ womxn, Queer Vision Uganda has expanded her wings and programs to provide not only online mental health support but also physical counselling services, peer support groups, suicide prevention, research and documentation as well as advocacy benefiting hundreds of LBQ Ugandans. The organization works with other NGOs, governments, businesses and individuals to ensure that wellbeing of LBQ womxn is maximized and their mental health needs and rights are heard and respected in policy and practice.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance the mental health and wellness of LBQ womxn, families and communities through prevention, intervention, treatment, education, research and advocacy.
Our Vision
A Ugandan society in which LBQ womxn feel understood, valued and supported on their journeys to positive mental health.”
Our Core values
Teamwork
Respect for diversity
Equality
Accountability
Compassion
Transparency
Integrity
Our Objectives
Accessible Counseling Services: To provide free physical and online counseling services to LBQ womxn in Uganda, ensuring accessibility regardless of location or circumstances.
Supportive Communities: To facilitate peer support groups where LBQ womxn can connect, share experiences and benefit from mutual support in a safe and affirming environment.
Prevent Crisis and Suicide: To implement crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs aimed at reducing the incidence of mental health crises and suicide among LBQ womxn in Uganda.
Promote Wellness and Resilience: To organize wellness activities and events that promote the mental and emotional well-being of LBQ womxn , including self-care practices, stress reduction techniques, and resilience-building activities.
Education and Awareness: To conduct mental health workshops, training sessions, and educational programs to raise awareness about LBQ mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and acceptance within Ugandan society.
Advocate for Rights and Dignity: To advocate for the rights and dignity of LBQ individuals in Uganda, including fighting against conversion practices, discrimination, and human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Research and Documentation: To conduct research on LBQ mental health in Uganda, document the experiences and challenges faced by LBQ individuals, and use evidence-based approaches to inform advocacy efforts and program development.
Challenge Structural Barriers: To work towards dismantling structural barriers that hinder access to mental health care and support services for LBQ womxn , including advocating for LBQ-inclusive policies and legislation.
Empower LGBTQ Voices: To empower LBQ womxn to speak out, share their stories, and advocate for their own mental health needs, thereby amplifying their voices and increasing visibility within Ugandan society.
Collaborate and Network: To collaborate with other organizations, stakeholders, and allies working on LGBTQ rights and mental health issues in Uganda, building alliances and networks to strengthen advocacy efforts and increase impact.
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OUR SERVICES
Physical and online counselling
Queer Vision Uganda offers both physical and virtual counseling services to LBQ womxn . At our center in Kampala, clients can access walk-in counseling sessions led by trained counselors and a psychiatrist who can be accessed by booking an appointment. These sessions provide a safe space for individuals to explore various mental health concerns, including identity issues, trauma, drug abuse and discrimination experiences and many more. In addition to in-person counseling, we provide virtual counseling sessions via calls, WhatsApp calls, and Zoom. These sessions are facilitated by trained counselors and para-counselors (Kuchu buddies), offering empathetic support tailored to the individual's needs and preferences.
Mental health workshops and training
We facilitate mental health training workshops and education to empower LBQ individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate their mental well-being. Our workshops cover a range of topics, including coping mechanisms, stress management, resilience-building, and self-care practices tailored to the unique challenges faced by the LBQ community in Uganda. Through interactive sessions and informative resources, participants gain valuable insights into understanding and addressing mental health issues. By fostering a culture of awareness and support, we aim to break down stigma, promote acceptance, and create a safer environment for LBQ persons. We have experienced facilitators who can faciliate mental health workshops both at our premises and externally in other organizations, institutions and conferences.
Peer support groups
Queer Vision Uganda also offers a peer support program to provide LBQ womxn with a supportive community where they can connect with others who share similar experiences. Through peer support groups and one-on-one interactions, participants receive empathy, validation, and solidarity, helping them to navigate challenges related to their mental health, identity, and social acceptance. Led by trained facilitators, these peer support sessions offer a safe space for individuals to share their stories, gain insights, and build meaningful connections, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the LBQ community. We currently faciliate a support group that is helping LGBTQ persons dealing with the challenge of substance abuse and addiction and welcome new members.
Advice and Information
At Queer Vision Uganda, our advice and information services provide vital support to LBQ individuals navigating various aspects of their lives. Whether someone is considering coming out, looking on how to navigate cases of GBV or seeking information on HIV/AIDS, our trained counselors offer confidential guidance, resources, and referrals. We understand the importance of having accurate information and support when making important decisions about one's identity, relationships, and health. Through compassionate listening and informed guidance, we empower individuals to make informed choices and access the resources they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Our commitment to providing inclusive and affirming support ensures that LBQ womxn in Uganda have a trusted ally to turn to for advice, information, and referrals.
Crisis Intervention and suicide prevention
We provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LBQ womxn facing mental health emergencies in Uganda. Our trained professionals operate a 24/7 hotline and online chat support, providing immediate assistance, compassion, and practical guidance to those in crisis. We prioritize safety and well-being, coordinating with support systems and healthcare providers for in-person interventions when necessary. Through our dedicated support, we aim to offer hope, resilience, and reassurance to LBQ womxn , reminding them that they are not alone and that help is always available. We strive to create a community where LBQ individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to live authentically and proudly.
Research and doumentation
Our research and documentation program plays a crucial role in advancing understanding and advocating for the rights of LBQ individuals in Uganda. Through rigorous research initiatives, we gather valuable data and insights into the unique challenges, experiences, and needs of the LBQ community. Our documentation efforts capture stories and evidence of discrimination, violence, and human rights violations faced by LBQ womxn , providing a platform for their voices to be heard and their experiences to be validated. By shedding light on these issues, we aim to inform advocacy efforts, influence policies, and drive positive change for LBQ rights in Uganda. Through our commitment to research and documentation, we strive to empower LBQ womxn, challenge stigma, and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Wellness activities
We offer a variety of wellness activities to nurture both the body and mind. From the rhythmic movements of Zumba dance through to exciting board games such as ludo, cards, chess and omweso to the calming practice of yoga, our sessions provide opportunities for physical activity, stress relief, and self-expression. Additionally, our beading and painting workshops offer a creative outlet for individuals to express themselves through art, while journaling sessions provide a space for reflection and self-discovery. These activities not only promote relaxation and mindfulness but also foster a sense of community and connection among participants. We welcome ideas and input from the LBQ womxn to ensure that our programs are enriching for all.
Advocacy
At Queer Vision Uganda, advocacy is at the heart of our mission to promote the rights and well-being of LBQ womxn in Uganda. Through our advocacy program, we work tirelessly to challenge discrimination, stigma, and violence, while advocating for policies and laws that protect and affirm the rights of LBQ womxn. We engage with policymakers, community leaders, and the public to raise awareness about LBQ issues, amplify marginalized voices, and drive systemic change. By advocating for inclusive policies, access to healthcare, and legal protections, we strive to create a more equitable and accepting society where LBQ individuals can live authentically and freely. Together, we stand united in our commitment to advocacy, fighting for equality, dignity, and justice for all members of the LBQ community in Uganda.
PROJECTS
The Kuchu Buddy Project
The word Kuchu is an African word to mean queer. The Kuchu buddy project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention project for LBQ womxn in Uganda.
The idea of the Kuchu Buddy project was born after the realization of increasing suicide rates among LBQ Ugandans and unwillingness of many mental health workers to support them.
The project relies on the support of trained para-counsellors known as Kuchu Buddies mainly LBQ young people to provide online mental health support and crisis intervention to other LBQ persons via call, text, zoom and WhatsApp among others.
Are you an LBQ womxn?
Do you feel depressed, suicidal, lonely or just need someone to talk to?
We are here for you! Reach a trained counsellor/ Kuchu Buddy!
Call, Whatsapp or Text 0784393885 and get linked with a Kuchu buddy of your prefered charactersitics.
GET INVOLVED
Donate
Please donate to keep our work going. We accept gifts of stock and money.
Volunteer
Please send us an email on queervisionuganda@gmail.com and express your interest to join our team as a volunteer.
Buy a hand craft
Support by buying some of the beautiful handcrafts made by our members through our wellness through art activities such as beading, weaving and painting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What/ who is Queer Vision Uganda?
A: We are a multidisciplinary mental health and wellness non-profit organization for LBQ Ugandans.
Q; Who are the services for?
A: Our services are for people who identify as Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex or Asexual womxn and all other people who identify with the LBQ spectrum.
Q: Do I need to pay for the services?
A: No! Our services are completely free.
Q: If the services are free, who pays for them?
A: We work with partners & funders to ensure our services are accessible to all.
Q: How do I access the services?
A: Simply call or text 0726639424.
Q: Can I trust QVU with my personal information?
A: We do not share any information about our clients to any other parties without permission. We value clients’ confidentiality and self determination and will only share information if the clients wants us to.
Q: What time are you open?
A: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm. Kuchu buddy services are availabe 24 hours a day every day.
Q; Do you welcome referrals from other facilities?
A: Yes, we welcome referrals from partner facilities as well as those working with LGBTQ+ persons.
Q; I would like to train as a Kuchu buddy, what can I do?
A: We put out calls for applications twice a year. Please follow us on our social media and be the first to know when a call for para-counselors is passed out. We can’t wait to work with you.
Q: What is required of me to become a Kuchu Buddy?
A: The first requirement is your desire to help LBQ womxn. You don’t need much of a formal education, just proficiency in English, possession of a smart phone or computer, availability to participate in a 3 months training course and free time in your schedule to respond to mental health needs after training.
Q: Do I need to be a member of the LBQ community to become a Kuchu Buddy?
A: No. You just need to have a positive attitude towards LBQ persons and willingness to help them. However, most LBQ womxn prefer to get help from fellow LBQ womxn or members of the LGBTQ community. Therefore when selecting, priority is given to applicants who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Q: I still have questions that have not been answered here.
A: Call or text 0726639424 or 0784393885 and we will be happy to answer your questions.
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
(7:00pm-8:30pm)
Every first Monday of the month- LBQ womxn living with HIV
Every Tuesday- Substance addiction
Every other Wednesday- General
(All LBQ)
Every first Friday of the month- LBQ womxn over 35
SHORT LINKS
CONTACT US
Kampala, Uganda
queevisionuganda@gmail.com
+256- 726639424
+256- 784393885
Copyright @ 2024 Queer Vision Uganda