Swiss LGBTIQA+ organisations launch national mental health strategy

Queer people in Switzerland face a significantly higher mental health burden than the general population. Depression, anxiety disorders and suicidality occur at measurably higher rates in LGBTIQA+ communities — and those who seek support within the healthcare system often encounter ignorance, discrimination or a lack of sensitivity.

To address this, four queer umbrella organisations published a joint LGBTIQA+ Mental Health Strategy in March 2026: the Lesbian Organisation Switzerland (LOS), Pink Cross, the Transgender Network Switzerland (TGNS) and Interazione. This is the first time the major national associations have jointly produced a structured set of demands in this area.

The strategy addresses three levels: politics (better data, targeted funding, protection from harmful practices such as conversion therapy), healthcare (training and continuing education of professionals, low-threshold access points, trans-competent care) and research (systematic surveys on the health of queer people in Switzerland).

For those needing support now: services are available at cantonal checkpoints, the national Pink Cross helpline, and regional associations such as HAZ Queer Zürich, Dialogai Geneva, VoQueer Lausanne and others. In a mental health crisis, the Dargebotene Hand (143) is available around the clock.

The strategy is available for download on the websites of the participating organisations and is intended as a basis for negotiations with the federal government and cantons.