Training for Mental Health Professionals and Neurologists: Advancing the Rights and Well-being of LGBTIQ+ Conscripts

From May 29 to 31, 2026, Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO conducted a three-day professional training in Aghveran entitled “Research on Conscription-Age Individuals and Clinical Approaches to Mental Health.” The training brought together 18 mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and neurologists.

The primary objective of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and professional capacities of specialists working with GBTIQ+ conscripts and other conscription-age individuals, while promoting rights-based, evidence-informed, and inclusive professional practices. Particular attention was given to the challenges that GBTIQ+ conscripts may face throughout mental health assessments, medical examinations, and conscription-related procedures.

Throughout the training, participants explored key concepts related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE), principles of inclusive communication, the impact of stigma and discrimination on the mental health of LGBTIQ+ people, and the role of professionals in creating safe, supportive, and respectful environments.

The program also addressed a number of critical topics, including the depathologization of gender identity under ICD-11, clinical mental health assessment of conscription-age individuals, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and professional ethics. Participants were introduced to the psychological impacts of conscription-related stress, trauma-related risks, mechanisms for recognizing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and contemporary approaches to psychosocial risk assessment.

This was one of the first specialized initiatives in Armenia specifically designed to enhance the capacities of professionals working with GBTIQ+ conscripts. Given that LGBTIQ+ conscripts often face stigma, discriminatory treatment, and harmful stereotypes, such professional educational initiatives play a vital role in building more equitable, inclusive, and rights-based systems.

During the three-day training, participants engaged in practical discussions, case analyses, role-playing exercises, and group work, allowing them to apply newly acquired knowledge to real-life professional scenarios. Discussions also focused on mechanisms for preventing discrimination against LGBTIQ+ conscripts, improving access to mental health services, and enhancing the quality of professional support and care.

The training served as an important platform for professional exchange, dialogue, and collaboration among specialists. Participants explored ways to reduce the risks of discrimination and retraumatization, uphold professional ethics, and create environments in which GBTIQ+ conscripts can access safe, dignified, and high-quality services.

Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO will continue its work with mental health professionals, healthcare institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to advance the rights, safety, and well-being of GBTIQ+ conscripts. Such meetings and capacity-building initiatives will continue on an ongoing basis, as sustainable change requires long-term cooperation, continuous learning, and the strengthening of professional competencies.

The organization firmly believes that no GBTIQ+ conscript should be subjected to stigma, discrimination, or unequal treatment because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Every conscript should have equal access to their rights, professional and ethical treatment, and the mental health services they need.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the training, Lilit Martirosyan, Founder and President of Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO, stated:

“This initiative marked an important step toward strengthening the protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ conscripts and improving the mental health assessment processes affecting them in Armenia. LGBTIQ+ individuals of conscription age frequently encounter stigma, discrimination, stereotypes, and unequal treatment both within healthcare systems and throughout conscription-related procedures. These experiences can negatively affect their mental well-being and may also contribute to violations of their rights.

That is precisely why it is essential to work closely with mental health professionals, strengthen their knowledge and expertise, introduce contemporary evidence-based approaches, and foster professional environments where GBTIQ+ conscripts are treated with dignity, professionalism, respect, and without discrimination.

Our goal is clear: no LGBTIQ+ conscript should experience discrimination or stigma because of their identity, and every individual should have the opportunity to fully enjoy their rights and access the support they need under conditions of dignity and equality.”

Lilit Martirosyan
Founder and President, Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO

Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO extends its sincere appreciation to the trainers and expert facilitators who contributed to the successful implementation of the training by sharing their expertise, experience, and professional knowledge, and by supporting the development of participants’ capacities.

Their contribution played a significant role in ensuring the quality of the training, deepening professional discussions, and strengthening knowledge related to the rights, mental health, and well-being of GBTIQ+ conscripts.

We highly value such professional collaborations and are confident that they will continue to contribute to the development of more inclusive, evidence-based, and human rights-centered services in Armenia, promoting the safety, well-being, and equal rights of the LGBTIQ+