Mental Health Is Not a Luxury for Our Community
Posted By: Admin Published: 23, Dec 2025
Mental health is often framed as something optional — something to think about after survival needs are met. For transgender communities, this framing is deeply flawed.
Living with constant stigma, rejection, violence and uncertainty takes a heavy toll. Anxiety, depression, trauma and burnout are common, especially among those facing housing insecurity, poverty or family rejection. For many, mental distress is not individual — it is shaped by social conditions.
Yet access to mental health support remains limited. Services are expensive, inaccessible or unwelcoming. Trans-affirmative care is rare, particularly outside big cities. Many community members are expected to “be strong” without being given support.
Mental health care is a right, not a privilege. The right to life with dignity includes emotional wellbeing. Ignoring mental health only deepens harm and isolation.
Community-based spaces play a crucial role here. Peer support, safe conversations, counselling referrals and crisis intervention can make a real difference. Equally important is challenging the idea that mental health struggles are personal failures rather than systemic outcomes.
At TAPISH, mental health is woven into everyday work — from Drop-In Centre conversations to shelter support and health referrals. Creating space to talk, rest and heal is part of resistance.
Taking care of mental health is not a luxury. It is necessary for survival, resilience and collective strength.