LGBTQIA

her life

This transwoman empowers children through education

Raised by a single mother, Smiley Thabu, a 31-year-old transwoman, strives to give children and youth from marginalised communities near Chennai a boost in life by giving supplementary lessons and skill development programmes.

her life

I came out as the first Van Gujjar transwoman

Shunned by her forest-dwelling community, Tina had to leave home when she was a teen because of her gender identity. At 20, she teaches Van Gujjar women – who stood up for her and accepted her – their dying art.

her life

‘Stigma, isolation aggravate mental health problems’

Access to mental health is a big challenge in rural India, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ communities and persons with HIV, says Rajesh Srinivas of Sangama, an organisation working for the cause.

her life

This Odisha trans woman is breaking barriers with ‘pride’

Chhavi, a transgender person from Banmali Prasad village in Odisha, overcame societal barriers with support from a compassionate stranger. Through her self help group, Chhavi and her team now excel in waste management.

her life

Enthralling queer short stories from rural India

We are thrilled to share the winning entries of our Pride Day storytelling competition. These remarkable tales stole the show with their rich tapestry of narratives that exist within diverse communities in rural India.

her life

‘Urban’ LGBTQIA+ versus queerness in rural India

Legalising homosexuality has had little impact on the deeply entrenched queerphobia in rural India, where there is a lack of awareness and discussion on LGBTQIA+ rights.