In the ongoing fight for equality and human rights, LGBTQIA+ activists often stand on the front lines, dedicating their lives to advocating for their community. However, this crucial work comes with significant mental health challenges that are often overlooked. The emotional labor involved in educating others, challenging systemic injustice, and bearing witness to the struggles of their community can lead to burnout, vicarious trauma, and profound emotional distress. As we continue to push for a more inclusive world, recognizing and addressing the mental well-being of LGBT activists is paramount for both their individual health and the sustainability of the movement.
As a proactive response to address the right to mental health of LGBTQIA+ activists, ASC has formalized a partnership with Jun Wei Liow, a registered counsellor from Malaysia who provides LGBTQIA+ affirmative care. Through this partnership, ASC can offer free mental health counselling for its members, staff, volunteers, and referred LGBTQIA+ activists.
ASC stands in solidarity with peer LGBTQIA+ activists in prioritizing healing, resilience, and well-being.
Get to know more about Jun Wei Liow
When was the last time you told yourself it’s safe to relax?
When was the last time you paused and said, “I’ve done enough. I deserve a break.”
When was the last time you created space just for yourself and truly believed you are enough?
As LGBTQ+ activists in Southeast Asia, you do brave and emotionally demanding work. Many of you operate in environments that can feel hostile or isolating. In the ongoing fight for justice and community, your emotional needs often get pushed aside. But what if there were a space where your struggles and identities were not just respected, but deeply understood?
Through a partnership with the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, I am offering counselling sessions that are fully sponsored and carefully tailored to support you both personally and emotionally. Whether you are facing burnout, identity-related stress, family conflict, grief, or simply need a space to pause and reflect, counselling can offer grounding, insight, and practical tools to help you move through it.
I am Jun Wei (he/him), a registered counsellor in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with over five years of experience supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. I have worked across diverse Southeast Asian contexts, interned at the Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association, and completed specialized training in LGBTQ-affirming care. My BSc, Master’s, and PhD have all focused on LGBTQ mental health, and I have taught in counselling programs at Monash University Malaysia and The University of Hong Kong.
If you are curious or simply need someone to talk to, I am here. These sessions are for you. You could also learn more about me and my services at https://www.junweicounselling.com.
