Leading mental health support provider MHSS is proud to confirm its commitment to diversity and inclusion with the appointment of two psychologists dedicated to helping the LGBTQ+ seafaring community.

MHSS, a member of OneCare Group (OCG) recognises the need for specialised mental health support for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, queer individuals often face unique challenges of their own, along with a lack of proper acknowledgment, counselling, and psychoeducation.

The company has made the step of appointing two psychologists Luca Hütter and Angelo Tenorio, who specialise in the LGBTQ+ community, to help seafarers work through the struggles they face onboard.

Mr Tenorio, who openly identifies as gay, lives in the Philippines and has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by gay Filipino men and women, both within their communities and workplaces. Ms. Hütter, based in Berlin, prefers not to use labels; she is drawn to individuals regardless of their gender identity. While completing her training to become a Clinical Psychologist, she is currently focused on developing workshops for seafarers that promote education and awareness around equality and respect for people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations.

Mr Tenorio highlighted the effects of the stigma surrounding this community when it comes to working onboard: “Many LGBTQ+ people are hesitant to become seafarers because they fear how they’ll be treated while onboard,” he says. “For those who do, months at sea can feel isolating, with some feeling as though they must hide their true identities, which can take a serious toll on one’s mental wellbeing.”

Many traditional perspectives, particularly among those in senior positions, often lack understanding or acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Add to this the variety of cultural, religious, and traditional views held by those onboard, many people in the community are left feeling like an imposter and not fully accepted by the rest of the crew.

“The environment onboard is shaped from the top. The way ship managers, owners, and captains approach DEI and LGBTQ+ issues trickles down to the entire crew,” said Ms Hütter. “Each individual plays a part in shaping the working environment that they are in.”

Through fostering educational discussions and providing a safe space for open dialogue, MHSS aims to create an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals feel supported and understood.

CEO of MHSS, Clinical Psychologist Charles Watkins said: “I am delighted that both Luca and Angelo are now working closely with people from the LGBTQ+ community. It was important for us to make sure we are coming from a place of authenticity so having people directly from the community and understanding their struggles and challenges felt like a logical and much-needed next step.

“With their personal experiences, along with both being very skilled psychologists, they will ensure people from the LGBTQ community feel supported, understood and heard. I am proud that MHSS is able to offer this next level of support to seafarers struggling with their sexuality or gender onboard.”

MHSS remains committed to fostering inclusivity and supporting LGBTQ+ mental health and is taking a crucial step towards ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their identity, have access to the necessary support.