Here are some critical support and resource options for members from LGBTQI+ communities who are struggling with online issues, discrimination, and other problems.

Mental Health & Legal Support

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Mosaic

In a context of multifaceted crises and legacies of political and economic inequalities, MOSAIC adopts an intersectional, holistic and interdisciplinary approach that is not only reflected in its services, but also in its policies, research and advocacy. In an attempt to ensure the wellbeing of LGBTQIA individuals and marginalized communities, MOSAIC provides specialized and sensitive mental health services (drama and art therapy included), psychosocial support as well as capacity building and awareness sessions to LGBTQIA individuals in the MENA/SWANA region in general and in Lebanon in particular. MOSAIC also offers protection and legal services in cases that are related but not limited to forced rectal and/or virginity tests in police stations and detention centers, arbitrary termination of work contracts on the basis of LGBTQIA status, hate speech, discrimination and death threats in addition to other homophobic and/or transphobic actions. These services target mainly low-income LGBTQIA individuals, LGBTQIA individuals in detention, migrants and refugees among other marginalized groups. Please note that cases of severe marginalization based on SOGIESC and/or life threatening situations that cannot be handled locally due to certain legal policies and/or restrictions are referred to the UNHCR office in Lebanon and are monitored closely by MOSAIC's senior social worker.

Working hours/Service hours (estimate for when you can be reached):

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Helpline TBC, Landline +961 1 395 445

Contact email to list: socialworker@mosaic-mena.org

Sexual Health Report

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SIDC

WHO ARE WE?

Society for Inclusion and Development in Communities and Care for All, SIDC, is a local non-governmental not-for-profit Lebanese organization that was established in 1987 and officially registered9/AD in 1992.

SIDC comprises of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors,psychiatrists, psychologists, peer educators, public health professionals, etc. It has two centers located in Sin El Fil, its headquarters and the drop-in center, Escale. SIDC commits to providing equitable access to healthcare and improve the quality of life of keypopulations in partnership with them.

SIDC works on addressing sensitive issues related to drug use, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and HIV/AIDS/STIs, through 1) respecting and protecting Human and Gender Rights, 2) reducing stigma and discrimination, 3) continuum of care and service provision, 4) empowering and engaging key populations, 5) research and development, 6) raising awareness and advocacy, 7) policy and law reform, 8) capacity and skill building at a national and regional level, 9) harm reduction, 10) peer-led outreach activities, and 11) networking and partnerships.

SIDC works in response to national and international strategies and goals including the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets and the principles of harm reduction. SIDC has been working to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, and today continues to contribute to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Opening hours and operation hours:

9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Contact information(Click here)

Landline +961 1 482 428

Helpines: Whastsapp:

+961 70498229 (Sexual Health Clinic)

+961 1 70983 427 (Escale Harm Reduction and Treatment Center)

+961 76028221 (Mental Health Support)

Contact: info@sidc-lebanon.org

Website: sidc-lebanon.org

Facebook: SIDC-leb

Twitter: @sidc_lb

YouTube: SIDC Lebanon

Instagram: sidc.lebanon

Emergency Housing & Other Support

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Helem

Helem's referral system is designed to connect individuals in search of support with trustworthy resources, featuring a constantly growing roster of professionals vetted by the organization. As individuals reach out, their needs are carefully assessed. Leveraging a network of qualified experts, Helem facilitates referrals, aiming to provide secure and reliable assistance from experienced professionals. Our referral services span a range of vital areas, including legal representation and consultation, healthcare and mental health services, protection and case management services, and emergency housing assistance. With a focus on confidentiality, the referral system aims to deliver thorough support, fostering trust and reliability within a diverse and inclusive community.

Working hours

9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)

Contact information(Click here)

81 478450 (Signal)

To contact Helem, individuals are encouraged to use the Signal app exclusively Individuals are also welcome to connect with us via email at services@helem.net for inquiries.

Digital Security Service Support

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Smex Helpdesk

The Digital Safety Helpdesk supports activists, journalists, marginalized groups, and human rights defenders facing cybersecurity incidents and online threats in West Asia and North Africa.
For more information, visit our website: www.smex.org/helpdesk

Working hours

Monday to Friday from 9am till 9pm GMT+3

Contact information(Click here)

+961 81 633 133 (WhatSapp & Signal, Only Text or Voice notes, no calls)

Email for helpdesk: helpdesk@smex.org

Digital Security Training Resources

English Resources:

Online Privacy Threats to Women and LGBTIQ Communities in Lebanon - SMEX

How can women protect themselves online? - SMEX

Digital Security Manual - Motoon

Digital Security Resources - Front Line Defenders

Anti-Doxing Guide for Activists - Equality Labs

TacticalTech Data Safety Tips (PDF)

Arabic Resources:

تهديد خصوصية النساء ومجتمعات الميم على الإنترنت في لبنان - سمكس

كيف تحمي النساء أنفسهن على الإنترنت؟ دليل متون للأمان الرقمي - سمكس

مقترحات وأدوات للحماية الرقمية - TecticalTech (PDF)

Online Hate Speech & Harmful Content Reporting Mechanism: (Click here to report hate speech and harmful content )

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You can report hate speech and harmful content from social media targetting our communities here. Any instances of online outing, doxxing, etc. We do not have the capacity to respond to individual cases, but we will make sure the data is used to monitor conditions online.

Survey: The anonymized answers from this survey will be shared with humanitarian organizations

Information last updated: November 3,2023

Help Us Improve

 1. Which services listed above did you use?

 2. Was the service helpful and enough for your needs?

 3. What other resources would you like access to?

 4. What else would you find helpful?

 5. Would you be interested in speaking directly with the organisations involved?