Anova Health Institute was prompted to initiate this innovative project, funded by EJAF, to gather more information about YMSM, working with them directly, and to develop relevant communication models and platforms that showcase YMSM role-models, based on information garnered from these YMSM in a workshop process.
The Young Heroes project aims to provide information and resources that lend support to all young men who could potentially be grappling with the development of non-heterosexual identity. Online resources and technology will feature strongly as the project unfolds.
A group process featuring 15 young YMSM, aged 18 to 21, was facilitated over a one-week period in December in Johannesburg. The process was specifically designed to explore the challenges they face with regards to their personal development, health issues and other relevant areas of their lives. The process was facilitated by two gay, registered psychologists, and the YMSM participants were exposed to various self-exploration processes, including a body mapping exercise led by an expert in creative expression.
Participants shared their unique experiences and insights, to shed more light on the realities that are faced by this often marginalised and the under-represented faction of society.
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