OUTBermuda & Solstice Announce Collaboration
OUTBermuda announced a “collaboration with Solstice to provide counseling support services to LGBTQ+ clients, host an LGBTQ+ support group [OUTLET] and partner in education and training opportunities that will promote equality and diversity in Bermuda.”
Zakiya Johnson Lord, Deputy Chair of OUTBermuda shared, “Our hope is that by supporting mental health services for members of our LGBTQ+ community we are helping to fortify against some of the damaging impacts of discrimination and marginalization all too present on our island.
“Mental health, similar to physical health, should be actively nurtured and pursued as a goal. Our collaboration with Solstice is an offering to our community, not as an indication that we are more inherently prone to challenges, but rather to acknowledge that the negative environmental factors and stigmatization often imposed by family and the wider community can take their toll on the mental health of members of our community.”
A spokesperson said, “The collaboration means that LGBTQ+ residents can:
- Access up to eight 1:1 counseling sessions through Solstice by self-referral and OUTBermuda will cover co-pay or full amount for uninsured individuals.
- OUTBermuda and Solstice will start a monthly LGBTQ+ support group called OUTLET on February 20th.
- OUTBermuda and Solstice will be working to enhance the training and development of service providers serving the LGBTQ+ community.”
“As an organisation that is passionate about mental health and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, we are excited about this collaboration. In working with OUTBermuda, we were able to design an accessible, safe and welcoming program,” shared Dr Jade Templer, Senior Clinical Psychologist of Solstice. “We look forward to continuing our work with OUTBermuda for many years to come.”
Bringing OUTLET to life would not have been possible without the ongoing support of Clarien Bank. Michael DeCouto, the bank’s EVP Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, said: “In our quest to be an Employer of Choice, Clarien has been working internally to ensure all employees feel safe and welcome in bringing their full selves to work – regardless of their race, gender and sexuality.
“These efforts extend beyond the four walls of the Bank, as we look to support like-minded organisations that are doing their part to promote diversity and inclusion in Bermuda. We are especially proud to support OUTBermuda in its quest to provide the Island’s LGBTQ+ community with this new monthly support group, OUTLET. We trust that as people are provided a safe and nurturing community in which to share, listen and belong, they will in turn feel empowered to be more of their true and authentic selves.”
Tiffany Paynter, Executive Director of OUTBermuda added, “Our team at OUTBermuda plans to help ensure that Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community is safe, valued, seen, and thriving. As we continue to consult with and listen to our local community, we’re better placed to provide solutions that move us towards that goal. OUTLET and our 1:1 counselling sessions are solutions that help us to better support the mental health needs of our community, and we’re grateful for Clarien’s generosity.”
For more information on the services or to sign up for OUTLET, please email executivedirector@outbermuda.org.
