On Pride Month, a look at the struggles and aspirations of the LGBTQIA+ community across small towns in India

Pride Month is a global celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and its culture, rights, and history. It is observed every June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which sparked the gay liberation movement in the United States and inspired activists around the world.

In India, the LGBTQIA+ community has faced a long and arduous struggle for acceptance and recognition. Despite the landmark Supreme Court verdict of 2018 that decriminalized homosexuality, many challenges remain for queer people living in small towns and rural areas. They often face stigma, discrimination, violence, and lack of access to education, health care, and employment opportunities.

However, they are also resilient and hopeful. Across the country, queer activists and allies are working tirelessly to create awareness, foster inclusion, and advocate for change. They are using various platforms and strategies to reach out to their communities and society at large. Here are some of their inspiring stories.

Himachal Queer Foundation: Spreading awareness through regional art forms

Shashank and Don Hasar are a couple who co-founded Himachal Queer Foundation (HQF), the first registered organization for LGBTQIA+ rights in Himachal Pradesh. They both had a difficult childhood in their respective villages, where they faced violence and shame for being different from other boys. They met each other in Palampur and decided to start HQF to help other queer people in their state.

HQF conducts workshops and events to spread awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues among students, teachers, parents, and policymakers. They use regional art forms such as poems, songs, comics, and folk dances to convey their messages in a culturally sensitive and engaging way. They also provide counseling, legal aid, and emergency support to queer people who face harassment or abuse.

Ya_All: Promoting gender equality through sports

Sadam Hanjabam is the founder of Ya_All (Youth All), an NGO that works for the empowerment of LGBTQIA+ youth in Manipur. He grew up in Imphal during the peak of militancy and struggled with his sexuality without any guidance or support. He left his hometown for higher studies and came back with a vision to create a safe space for queer people.

Ya_All runs various initiatives such as a helpline, a library, a cafe, and a safe house for LGBTQIA+ youth who face violence or homelessness. One of their most innovative projects is an all-queer football team that aims to promote gender equality through sports. The team consists of players from different sexual orientations and gender identities who train together and participate in tournaments. They also conduct workshops on gender sensitization and sexual health for other football teams and clubs.

Dr Sakshi Mamgain: Pushing for queer healthcare as part of medical curriculum

Dr Sakshi Mamgain is a non-binary person who identifies as neither male nor female. They are a doctor who works at a government hospital in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. They are also an activist who campaigns for queer healthcare as part of the medical curriculum.

Dr Mamgain believes that most doctors are unaware or insensitive about the specific health needs and challenges of LGBTQIA+ people. They face discrimination, harassment, and denial of services when they seek medical care. Dr Mamgain wants to change this by educating medical students and professionals about queer health issues such as mental health, HIV/AIDS prevention, hormone therapy, gender affirmation surgery, etc. They also conduct workshops and seminars on queer sensitization for doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other health workers.

These are just some of the examples of how LGBTQIA+ people in small towns are making a difference in their own ways. They are not only fighting for their rights but also contributing to their communities and society. They are showing us that pride is not just about celebrating one's identity but also about challenging stereotypes, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities.

Source: 

(1) On Pride Month, a look at the struggles and aspirations of the LGBTQIA+ .... https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/pride-month-lgbtqia-community-struggles-aspirations-small-towns-8642837/.

(2) Pride Month 2023: Events to watch out for in Indian cities. https://www.theweek.in/leisure/lifestyle/2023/06/02/pride-month-2023-events-to-watch-out-for-in-indian-cities.html.

FAQ's

What does Lgbtqia+ stand for?

LGBTIQA+ 'LGBTIQA+' is an evolving acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual. Many other terms (such as non-binary and pansexual) that people use to describe their experiences of their gender, sexuality and physiological sex characteristics.

What does lgbtqqip2saa stand for?

LGBTQQIP2SA: any combination of letters attempting to represent all the identities in the queer community, this near-exhaustive one (but not exhaustive) represents Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Pansexual, Two-Spirited, and Asexual

What is Lgbtqia+ explained for kids?

LGBTIQA+ (communities or populations aka Queer Community) stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans/transgender, Intersex, Queer/questioning, and Asexual – and is one of many acronyms that represent common sexual and gender identities and bodies in the community.

What is the full form of Lgbttqqiaap?

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Allies and/or Pansexual: used to refer to people with those sexual and gender identities.