More Than Art: How Therapeutic Art is Helping LGBTQIA+ People Heal, Connect and Thrive

For many LGBTQIA+ people in Mauritius, finding a space where you can truly be yourself without fear, judgement or the pressure to explain your existence is still far too rare. While advocacy and legal reform remain at the heart of our work, creating opportunities for healing is just as important.

That is exactly what our Therapeutic Art Programme set out to do.

Made possible through the generous support of the Marang Fund and facilitated by Moksha, Founder of Art Grounds, this first series of therapeutic art sessions invited participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves and discover the power of creativity as a tool for emotional wellbeing.

A Space to Simply Be

Healing does not always begin with words.

Sometimes it begins with a paintbrush. Sometimes with clay, colours or quiet reflection. Sometimes it simply begins by sitting in a room filled with people who understand what it means to navigate life as an LGBTQIA+ person.

Over several weeks, participants came together in a welcoming and affirming environment where they were encouraged to express themselves freely, process emotions, explore their creativity and build genuine connections with one another.

The sessions were never about creating the perfect artwork. They were about the experience. Every participant was invited to create without judgement, reflect without pressure and embrace every emotion that emerged through the creative process.

What unfolded was much more than an art workshop.

It became a space where people felt seen, heard and valued.

The Impact We Witnessed

At the end of the programme, participants were invited to share their experiences through an evaluation, and the feedback speaks volumes about the importance of creating spaces dedicated to queer wellbeing.

Many participants joined the programme looking for community, a safe and affirming environment, an opportunity for self expression and a chance to support their emotional wellbeing through creativity.

By the end of the programme, participants overwhelmingly described feeling safe, supported and comfortable throughout every session. The environment created by Moksha allowed people to explore their emotions at their own pace while knowing they would be met with kindness, empathy and respect.

Participants also reported experiencing meaningful emotional and personal benefits, including:

Improved mood and emotional wellbeing
Reduced stress
Increased relaxation and energy
A stronger sense of connection with the LGBTQIA+ community
Greater self awareness and emotional release Greater self awareness and emotional release

For many, the programme was not only enjoyable but deeply meaningful, offering an opportunity to pause, reconnect with themselves and leave each session feeling lighter than when they arrived.

The Power of Community

The Therapeutic Art Programme created opportunities for vulnerability, laughter, honest conversations and genuine friendships. It reminded us that healing is not something we always do alone. Sometimes, healing happens together.

Looking Towards the Future

The enthusiasm from participants was impossible to ignore.

Many expressed their hope that the programme continues, suggesting longer sessions, weekend workshops and more places so that even more members of the LGBTQIA+ community can take part in future editions.

Their feedback confirms what we have long believed at Collectif Arc en Ciel. Alongside advocacy, legal reform and community empowerment, there is a growing need for dedicated spaces that support mental health, emotional wellbeing and self discovery.

We are incredibly proud of what this first cohort has achieved, and even more excited about what comes next.

Join the Next Therapeutic Art Journey

Whether you have never painted before or have always enjoyed expressing yourself through art, these sessions are open to everyone.

You do not need artistic experience.

You simply need to come as you are.

Our Therapeutic Art Programme is about much more than creating artwork. It is about giving yourself permission to slow down, breathe, connect with others and discover new ways of caring for yourself.

Collectif Arc en Ciel extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Marang Fund for believing in the importance of community wellbeing and to Moksha, Founder of Art Grounds, whose thoughtful facilitation created a nurturing space where participants felt safe to explore, reflect and grow.

We look forward to welcoming many more members of our community to future sessions because everyone deserves a space where they can create, connect and heal.