Qtalk counselors call the LGBTQ+ advice app ‘truly brilliant’, ‘a life saver’
In Nigeria, the Qtalk app on Android phones is “a life saver”, “truly brilliant” and “like magic”, according to counselors who use it to provide free confidential advice to LGBTQ+ Nigerians.
Through the app, which has been up and running for two years, 15 counselors provide advice, referrals, mental-health services and a sympathetic ear to more than 2,000 LGBTQ+ people who struggle to get by in the homophobic society of Nigeria.
Five of those 15 counselors recently shared their impressions of it. (For their protection, pseudonyms conceal their identities.)
Evan:
For me, joining the Qtalk platform as a counselor is one of the many things that I am particularly glad that I did last year. Through the platform, I am able to support members of my community who would ordinarily not be able to access quality health care without experiencing some form of discrimination.
One of the many health issues that I get to deal with quite often from young gay men is their concern about STIs and STDs. Without the Qtalk platform, most of them wouldn’t have been able to talk freely about those.
A memorable session for me was that of a young man from a local community who was able to get support after struggling with what he described as a “strange” whitish discharge from his anus. Without Qtlak, he wouldn’t have been able to get help because of fear of shame and discrimination if he opened up to just anyone. That is especially true in the North, where gay people can be stoned to death.
Ewan helped the man find a nearby clinic that could treat the problem without stigmatizing him.
Bolaji:
Being a lawyer, I get cases every day, but helping people who have been marginalized makes me feel fulfilled. I don’t think it would have been easy to do this, given how many LGBT persons are afraid to speak up and seek justice in Nigeria due to homophobia.
I can’t forget the case of a young man who was robbed and blackmailed. I am truly glad that I was able to provide support to the young man. As a result of the counseling, he retrieved the stolen items and the perpetrators were arrested.
I am so proud of what has been achieved with the Qtalk app. Providing quality care and support to all this people from a mobile phone? Wow, this is magic! The efforts put into it should be commended.
Pamela:
Working to support the LGBTIQ+ community in Nigeria has always been something that I have been passionate about.
Connecting and staying in touch with like minds is therapy itself. For a marginalized community, a platform such as Qtalk can be therapeutic. It isn’t only timely but also very much needed. Thanks to all those responsible for such a wonderful initiative.
For me, one of the most significant sessions for me was helping a gay man cope with the loss of his dear son.
For me, this was something that I could very much relate to as I have also lost someone very close to me, and I know how grief can destroy a person if not properly handled.
Josephine:
Qtalk is a life-saver! Being a part of the platform is something that I am very proud of. I thank all the partners and funders who have made it possible for community members to have such a wonderful platform to connect and get help.
As a trans woman myself, I understand exactly what it is like to be a feminine trans person living in a homophobic society such as Nigeria that sees trans women as gay men. For me, supporting other trans women is something that I am very passionate about.
And so, it was a great relief for me to have been able to provide psychosocial support to Eve, a trans woman who struggled in pain for months in a hospital after her father put fire in her hair, which severely burnt a part of her skull.
During that counseling session, Josephine gave Eve sympathy and validation, which helped Eve cope with the trauma she had endured.
Azi:
The idea of Qtalk is truly brilliant. I love everything about the app. It’s truly one of a kind.
Coming out as gay to anyone in Nigeria takes a lot of courage and those who do often experience discrimination and hostility from the society and their families. It is usually a difficult and delicate issue to deal with.
Thinking back, I am glad that I could counsel Timi, a young bisexual man who was considering coming out to his family.
With the support that Timi received from Azi, he became mentally prepared to deal with the outcome of his decision.
To download the Qtalk mobile app, click HERE.
To support the Qtalk project financially, click HERE.
