Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the Key ApartHotel, Palais de Justice District, witnessed the launch of a campaign by the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health (LebMASH), that to some may have stirred up controversy and to others, may have been the beginning of a revolution in disguise.
LebMASH launched the campaign, in collaboration with the Agnes Varis Trust, aiming to affirm that homosexuality is not a disease and to increase awareness about the dangers of the Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) that are being practiced in Lebanon. SOCE are attempts to change the sexual orientation of people from homosexual/bisexual to heterosexual. These methods often range from conversion therapy to a number of medical techniques and spiritual approaches.
Following a plethora of reports from subjects of Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and concern from the mental health sector, LebMash has joined forces with Helem, the region's pioneering LGBT rights organization for a proper thorough investigation. Their results were rather astonishing. Research uncovered a number of conversion attempts in Lebanon, ranging from coaxing and electric shock to hormonal treatments, all of which are hazardous and can potentially result in anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
A 2015 study conducted by Tarek Zeidan and Nour Nasr at the gender and sexuality center at the Arab Foundation for Equality (AFE) found that 72% of people in Lebanon claim homosexuality is a mental disorder, while 79% of the country's population believes homosexuals require psychological treatment.
These numbers are staggering but come as no surprise from a country whose officials banned billboards that clearly portray the campaign's message. However, the parties involved in the initiative continue to push forward with the rest of the campaign and its core messages:
1. Homosexuality is not a disease
2. Homosexuality is a natural state
3. Attempts to covert gay people are harmful and should be banned
Although Lebanon may be behind the times when it comes to such issues, Dr. George Karam, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatrist, and Board Member of the Lebanese Psychiatric Society (LPS), expressed his relief that there is a group taking initiative.
He stresses the dangers of SOCE and that homosexuality isn't a disease therefore claiming there is no way to treat it and those that try to treat it with the methods previously stated may actually be harming people.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any violations or would like to know more about LGBT affirmative providers, don't hesitate to contact the hotline 76- 085 714.
Callers seeking information and help will be referred to the concerned professionals.
