Greece's only LGBTQI helpline has just reopened after 8 months

Greece’s only LGBTQI psychological support service was closed for almost a year because it ran out of money.

11528-By Your Side is a critical and unique helpline for Greece’s LGBTQI people with people from all over the country accessing its service.

But earlier this year it was forced to close due to an unexpected interruption of funding. It’s closure left many of Greece’s LGBTQI community vulnerable.

‘Transphobia and homophobia of Greek society isn’t to be underestimated,’ 11528-By Your Side’s project manager Cleopatra Economidou told Gay Star News.

Economidou said most people who called 11528-By Your Side were young people up to the age of 29. They often had no one else to speak to about their sexuality or gender identity. But straight people often call their service for advice on how to help family members.

‘The most disturbing finding though, is the percentage of bullying in school and/or abuse by family members, which reaches the amount of 20% to 25%,’ she said. Read more via Gay Star News