This article is part of our FREEDOM SERIES; in the run-up to Valentine’s Day and as we aim to upend the mass-market cookie cutter romance-celebrations, we’re taking a closer look at Relationships. Whether you’re out and proud or trying to…
Tag: Freedom Series
Center the Margins: Understanding Queer-Affirmative Therapy
By Scherezade Siobhan I was woken up this morning by a message from a young therapy client today and the text read as follows– “Hi, just thought I’d share that my dad sent me a bouquet of roses and a card…
Interviewing Miss International Queen
As part of our Freedom Series, Devanik Saha interviews Nitasha Biswas, Miss International Queen 2018. Edited excerpts from the interview. “Tackling one’s mental health is one of the biggest challenges for any LGBTQ+ person. Given India’s societal stereotypes, accepting your…
The Freedom Series: Coming to Terms With Your Sexuality
By Devanik Saha First, a shocking reality check. Two of every 3 queer persons reported hearing homophobic comments in their workplace, according to this 2016 LGBT Workplace Climate Survey, conducted by the Mission for Indian Gay & Lesbian Empowerment. That’s not…
The Freedom Series: Interviewing an Advocate for LGBTQ Rights
Vandita Morarka interviews Koninika Roy, an Advocacy Manager at The Humsafar Trust, as part of our ongoing Freedom Series on The Health Collective. Tell us a little about yourself? I am 24 years old. I am an advocate for LGBTQ…
The Freedom Series: Being Gay and ‘Manning Up’ in the Media
By Anant Zanane I have a story to tell. Of being a deeply closeted mediawala, who tried to fit into the cut-throat world of breaking news journalism. I lost myself in the process and even inflicted self-harm. But it has also…
The Freedom Series: Mental Health and the Queer Community
By Devanik Saha More than 60 million people in India are estimated to suffer from some form of mental illness. Some communities are particularly vulnerable and under-served. “Tackling one’s mental health is one of the biggest challenges for any LGBTQ+…
The Freedom Series: My Journey
By Anwesh Pokkuluri In May 2018, I signed up to be a petitioner in the Supreme Court against Section 377. My parents weren’t comfortable with it even though my coming out to them 2.5 years before was rather smooth (for…
The Freedom Series…
Coming soon: Our special Freedom Series looking at the need for freedom from discrimination, stigma, and persecution for everyone, with a special focus on the LGBTQI+ community