Diversity Olpe: New self -help group for queer people opened!

Diversity Olpe: New self -help group for queer people opened!

The self -help group "Diversity Olpe for Queere Visibility" finally opens its doors again after a long break. Under the direction of Scott Rose and Takashi Pelzer, the group wants to create a safe space for people from the LGBTQ+scene. The main goal is to offer queer people the opportunity to speak openly about their sexual orientation and address their problems, as Lokalplus

queer people often have to fight with higher rates of depression, fears, stress and loneliness. These are just a few of the challenges with which they are confronted. These factors increase the need for supporting communities in which the exchange and understanding can be in the foreground.

foundation and activities of the self -help group

The self-help group "Diversity Olpe" was founded by Andreas Zimmer and Tim Höfer, both of whom have personal experiences with their coming out. While Andreas Zimmer came out 30 years ago, Tim Höfer was only 19 years old. The two initiators know how high social pressure can be, especially in rural regions. They are actively committed to the educational and anti-discrimination project "Schlau" Olpe, which offers workshops for accepting gender identities, such as Sauerlandkurier explained.

The meetings of the self-help group take place once a month in the DRK multi-generation house in Olpe. On the occasion of the first meeting on October 25 at 7 p.m., numerous activities are planned, including discussions, companies and themed evenings. These opportunities should serve to give courage for self -confident use of your own sexual orientation, specially developed for lesbian, gays and bisexual people from the age of 18.

support from the community

The self-help group receives active support from the self-help contact point and the anti-discrimination agency of the DRK Olpe, with Petra Weinbrenner-Dorff playing an important role. The contact options for interested parties include an email to diverse Faltolpe@web.de and the telephone accessibility at 02761 2643.

The challenges that the LGBTQ+community faces are not negligible in the medical field. As shown Oberbergkliniken , many LGBTQ+-Menschen discrimination in medical care. Prejudices and inadequate cultural competence of health facilities often mean that the necessary help offers cannot be used. This increases the risk of mental illnesses and may lead to increased substance consumption as a coping mechanism.

The self -help group "Diversity Olpe" therefore offers an important starting point for many who are looking for support in their identity. The exchange and common activities not only create friendships, but also a feeling of community in an often challenging environment.