Building an Inclusive Future for Everyone

I am a displaced person living in Lebanon. Can Prism Society help me?

Prism Society supports eligible LGBTQIA+ individuals and members of diverse communities living in Lebanon, regardless of nationality, country of origin, status, or displacement background.

If you are facing violence, discrimination, threats, homelessness, exploitation, family rejection, legal difficulties, or another protection concern, you may contact our team for an initial confidential assessment.

Depending on your situation and the availability of services, support may include protection guidance, case assessment, legal information, psychosocial support, counseling, emergency referrals, or connections to specialized organizations.

Assistance is provided according to the urgency of the case, eligibility requirements, organizational capacity, available funding, and the services operating at the time of the request. High-risk cases may be prioritized.

I am outside Lebanon and need help from Prism Society. How can you support me?

Prism Society’s direct services are mainly available to individuals living in Lebanon. Our ability to provide assistance in other countries is therefore limited.

However, if you are outside Lebanon and facing a serious protection concern, violence, discrimination, homelessness, detention risk, or another urgent situation, you may contact us by email and provide a clear summary of your circumstances.

Where possible, our team may share information about organizations, safe spaces, community groups, inclusive healthcare services, legal assistance providers, shelters, or other resources operating in your current country of residence.

Prism Society cannot guarantee that services will be available in every country. We also cannot arrange relocation to Lebanon, transfer individuals between countries, or provide international financial assistance.

What are my rights during arrest or detention based on my SOGIESC?

SOGIESC refers to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. If you believe you are at risk of arrest, questioning, or detention because of your SOGIESC, contact a qualified lawyer or legal assistance organization as soon as possible.

During an arrest or detention, you should request clear information about the reason for the arrest and ask to contact a trusted person. You should also request legal representation before answering detailed questions or signing official documents.

Do not sign a statement, confession, or document that you do not fully understand. Ask for the document to be explained and request advice from your lawyer before signing whenever possible.

You should ask that all questioning and investigation procedures be conducted according to applicable law and with respect for your dignity, privacy, and physical safety.

You should not be subjected to degrading, abusive, discriminatory, or medically unnecessary treatment. Any request involving a physical examination, biological test, personal device, password, or private account should be discussed with a qualified lawyer immediately.

If authorities request access to your phone, ask whether there is valid legal authorization and seek legal advice before providing access whenever this is possible.

Prism Society may provide general “Know Your Rights” information or refer individuals to qualified legal organizations. Availability depends on the urgency of the case and the services operating at the time.

This information is general and does not replace professional legal advice. Lebanese laws and procedures may change, and every situation must be reviewed individually by a qualified lawyer.

I need a non-urgent service. When and how should I contact Prism Society?

For non-urgent support, inquiries, and appointments, you may contact Prism Society through our official phone number or email address during working hours.

When contacting us, provide a brief and clear explanation of the support you are requesting. Avoid sending highly sensitive information in your first message unless a staff member asks you to provide it through an appropriate and secure communication method.

Some services cannot be provided entirely over the phone. Depending on the nature of your request, you may be asked to attend an in-person or online appointment with a protection officer, counselor, caseworker, or another specialized team member.

If you are already receiving case-management support, you may contact the staff member assigned to your case through the communication method previously agreed upon.

Because urgent and high-risk cases must be prioritized, our team may not always be able to respond immediately to non-urgent inquiries. Please allow reasonable time for a response and avoid sending repeated messages unless your situation changes or becomes urgent.

I know someone who has been detained because they are LGBTQIA+. Can Prism Society help?

If you know someone who has been detained and believe that the detention may be connected to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics, contact Prism Society as soon as possible.

Provide only accurate information that you are authorized to share. Helpful information may include the person’s name, approximate time and location of arrest, place of detention if known, the authority involved, and whether the individual already has a lawyer.

Our team will review the information and assess whether legal assistance, documentation, advocacy, family guidance, or referral to a specialized organization may be possible.

Prism Society cannot guarantee a specific legal outcome, but we will make reasonable efforts to guide the case toward appropriate and qualified support.

I have experienced violence or discrimination for being LGBTQIA+ at work. What can I do?

If you have experienced harassment, threats, dismissal, unequal treatment, blackmail, violence, or another workplace violation related to your SOGIESC, you may contact Prism Society for a confidential initial consultation.

Our team may help you document the incident, understand possible support options, obtain general legal information, or receive a referral to a qualified lawyer, labor-rights organization, protection service, or specialized provider.

Where it is safe to do so, keep copies of relevant documents and evidence, such as employment contracts, written messages, emails, complaint records, dates, names of witnesses, or official notices.

Do not collect evidence in a way that places you at greater risk. Your safety and privacy should remain the priority.

I know someone who is facing a protection incident. Can I refer them to Prism Society?

For privacy, consent, and protection reasons, individuals seeking services should normally contact Prism Society directly.

You may share our official contact information with the person and encourage them to reach out when they feel safe and ready. You may also support them while making the first call or sending the first message, provided they agree.

Do not disclose another person’s identity, location, contact details, medical information, legal history, or other sensitive information without their permission, except where there is an immediate threat to life and an appropriate emergency service must be contacted.

All inquiries received by Prism Society are handled with respect, professionalism, dignity, and confidentiality, subject to applicable safeguarding and legal obligations.

What services does Prism Society provide?

Prism Society’s services and programs may include confidential case assessment, protection guidance, legal information, legal referrals, psychosocial support, counseling, mental-health referrals, identity-related counseling, community education, awareness activities, advocacy, and capacity-building programs.

The organization may also connect individuals with trusted providers offering inclusive healthcare, sexual-health support, shelter, emergency assistance, social services, legal representation, or other specialized services.

Services may vary depending on staff availability, funding, eligibility criteria, level of risk, program capacity, and the specific needs of each individual.

Does Prism Society provide STI testing?

Prism Society does not currently guarantee direct STI testing or other physical health services. Please contact our team to confirm which health-related services are available at the time of your request.

When direct testing is unavailable, we may refer individuals to trusted and inclusive clinics or healthcare providers that offer confidential STI testing, medical consultations, treatment, sexual health information, and follow-up care.

The availability, cost, eligibility requirements, appointment process, and confidentiality procedures of external healthcare providers may differ. Prism Society is not responsible for the medical decisions or services provided by external clinics.

I am confused about my gender identity or sexual orientation and need someone to talk to. Who can I contact?

If you are questioning or exploring your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics, you may contact Prism Society and request confidential SOGIESC-related counseling or guidance.

Every individual has the right to explore personal questions in a respectful, safe, stigma-free, and non-judgmental environment. Depending on service availability, your request may be directed to a trained counselor who can arrange an appointment.

Counseling should support your well-being, personal understanding, and ability to make your own informed decisions. It should never pressure you to adopt a particular identity or attempt to change your sexual orientation or gender identity.

If Prism Society cannot provide the service directly, our team may refer you to a trusted and inclusive counselor or mental-health professional.

I am looking for an LGBTQIA+-inclusive mental-health service. Can Prism Society help me?

Prism Society may provide mental-health support directly or refer individuals to trusted psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, or specialized organizations that offer inclusive and professional care.

Available support may include individual counseling, emotional support, psychosocial assistance, an initial mental-health assessment, short-term follow-up, or referral for more specialized treatment.

High-risk cases may be prioritized according to the individual’s situation, eligibility, clinical needs, and the capacity of the program.

To request mental-health support, contact Prism Society through our official phone number or email address. You may be asked to complete a confidential assessment so the team can better understand your needs and determine the most appropriate available service.

If you prefer not to receive support at Prism Society’s offices, ask whether an online appointment, external referral, or another suitable arrangement is available.