Madagascar: Une organisation met en place un espace sûr et thérapeutique pour protéger les personnes LGBTQI+ à Antsirabe

VAD3M is creating Antsirabe’s first therapeutic safe space for LGBTQI+ people. Through capacity‑building workshops and psychosocial support, the organisation is helping community members reclaim confidence, safety, and wellbeing in a context marked by stigma and exclusion. 

In Antsirabe, Madagascar, LGBTQI+ people face deep social stigma, discrimination and psychological insecurity. Many live in silence and isolation, without safe spaces or trusted individuals to confide in when experiencing discrimination, violence or emotional distress. VAD3M launched this project to create a secure, inclusive and therapeutic safe space dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing, resilience and dignity of LGBTQI+ people.

The change began with capacity‑building workshops for association members and LGBTQI+ participants. These trainings covered LGBTQI+ rights and realities, project management, community service management, prevention of gender‑based violence and psychosocial safety. An additional workshop focused on sustainability, helping participants identify organisational mechanisms and strategies to ensure long‑term stability of the safe space. These activities strengthened knowledge, skills and collective confidence.

The change is ongoing. Before the project, many individuals lacked clarity about their identity, rights and support systems. Today, participants report feeling better informed, safer and more confident. The project is currently transitioning into its next phase, with the physical safe space expected to open between March and April. This marks a significant step towards long‑term community support, healing and empowerment.

The significance of this change extends beyond individual knowledge gains. It represents a structural shift for the LGBTQI+ movement in the Vakinankaratra region. The project nurtures emerging leaders, strengthens community organising and begins to reshape social attitudes. By offering a foundation for mental health support, solidarity and advocacy, it contributes to a more inclusive and secure environment.

Sustainability will be achieved through continuous capacity‑building, leadership development, strengthened partnerships and the expansion of safe‑space activities. By sharing best practices and growing networks, VAD3M hopes to inspire similar initiatives in other regions, contributing to a national movement for LGBTQI+ safety and wellbeing.
 

Quote: 

LAFATRANIRINA Hanitrinifitavana Olivah: Je sais qui je suis maintenant et j’en suis fière.

RATOLOJANAHARY Lalaina Herizo Aimée: Ces ateliers m’ont aidé à comprendre que mes expériences et mes émotions sont légitimes.

Kintanah: Grâce aux formations de VAD3M, je me sens capable d’accompagner et défendre notre communauté.