queer community
How the decline of launda naach has impacted the queer community
Launda naach, practised in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, dates back to when women, barred from dancing in public, were replaced by effeminately dressed men. Kajal Bhabhua, a trans performer, says the dance form is fading now.
‘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.
My name is Shoaib & I am a trans woman
Harassed by family, Shoaib Khan, shut hurtful words out and focussed on breaking transgender stereotypes. After becoming a woman, she chose to retain her male name. Shoaib works at an IT company and hopes for society to become more inclusive.
‘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.