”AS A LGBTQ PERSON IN SENEGAL, MY LIFE IS CONSTANTLY IN DANGER. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS TO BE BEATEN TO DEATH ON THE BASIS OF MY SEXUAL ORIENTATION.
P.A. DiopDakar, Senegal
W e work diligently to prevent suicide through youth empowerment, counseling and support programs.
We target those who need us the most, specially the LGBTQ+ community, their families and allies. We have a dedicated team of professional available 24/7 to provide counseling and support to those in need. Areas of counseling and support include:
- Depression
- Anxiety,
- Substance abuse
- Counseling for LGBTQ+ youth, families and allies
- Free HIV testing for LGBTQ+ members (paid for by BGC Senegal)
S ame sex relationship has no legal recognition in Senegal. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Senegal face legal challenges and are continuously harassed and discriminated against in society.
A survey of 59 lesbian, gay and bisexual, Senegalese adults, conducted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Senegal found that more than half of them experienced threats or offensive comments on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity. Most of those surveyed also reported that their friends, allies or family member have been harassed or have experienced violence.
Pew Global Attitudes Project, reported that 97% of Senegal residents believe that homosexuality is a way of life that society should not accept.
This Alarming Situation Prompted the Boys & Girls Clubs Of Senegal To Establish A Counseling And Support Program For LGBTQ Youth, Their Families And Allies in Senegal
This program is called CYLABOK which is derived from Wolof, a language commonly spoken in Senegal. CYLABOK means I am not an outcast.
The program CYLABOK offers free confidential counseling and support program for LGBTQ youth, families and allies.
Some of the areas we provide counseling and support for include depression, HIV testing (paid for by Boys & Girls Clubs of Senegal), anxiety, relationships, substance abuse and coming out support.
LGBT persons in Senegal are strongly encouraged to contact CYLABOK to speak with trained counselor for support and/or crisis intervention.
The overall mission of the program CYLABOK is to provide safe, accepting and inclusive environments for the LGBTQ community in Senegal.
Contact info: [email protected]
