In a recent study of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees, nature was used not just as a meeting place, but as an environment where participants felt safe without being questioned or judged.
Ian Seal is the executive director of Many Coloured Sky, an organisation supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers in Melbourne. He told SBS Examines that loneliness is a big problem in the community.
"People from their own cultural background are the ones that they feel least safe with and least connected to here in Australia, because they represent a culture that people have had to flee," he said.
"Many of our community members talk about having to make a choice between: Do I stay connected to my culture and my background and my family and community? Or do I find a place in LGBTIQ+ community?"
Mim had to navigate just that after moving to Australia from Vietnam 11 years ago.
"I was very shy and my English was limited. So I mostly stayed with my Vietnamese community. I try to hide my sexuality and my identity as well," they told SBS Examines.
Mim was invited to take part in an eight week nature based program with 36 other LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers.
Partipants birdwatched, shared meals and reflected outdoors, walked along the beach, and gardened.
Lead researcher Nerkez Opacin told SBS Examines that following the program, there was a reduction in the participants loneliness, and an increase in their connection to nature.
"[Nature] serves as a neutral, non-judgemental ground to connect."
Mim said that the program was a gentle way for them to meet people and connect.
"Nature is healing ... I feel peace."
In this episode of SBS Examines, we explore how nature can help tackle loneliness.
