On August 2, 2024, the Merchant Chamber Auditorium buzzed with energy as the National Alliance of Women (NAWO) and Sakhi Kendra jointly hosted a workshop focused on the rights and challenges faced by the LGBT community. Here are the key highlights:
Prachi Tripathi, the event organizer, welcomed everyone, including Abhiti from Bangalore, Arif Zafar from Naz Foundation, and the General Secretary of Sakhi Kendra. Neelam Chaturvedi, Sakhi Kendra’s General Secretary, emphasized that discussing human rights separately isolates marginalized groups. She highlighted the hidden identities of trans, lesbian, and gay individuals in society.
Arif Zafar (Naz Foundation) shared insights. The Hijra community, tired of mistreatment, raised their collective voice against discrimination. Nazir’s death underscored the need for awareness. Naz Foundation stepped up, even when the term “LGBT” was unfamiliar to most. The government’s perception that sexual relations with LGBT individuals increase HIV/AIDS risk was debunked. These individuals can contribute significantly to society as doctors and engineers.
Abhiti highlighted the struggles faced by LGBT individuals—rejection, inequality, and discrimination. Education remains unfulfilled due to bias. Anuj Pandey shed light on the lack of basic facilities. Even after 75 years of independence, transgenders lack access to public toilets. Neelam Chaturvedi revealed ongoing talks with MSME for employment training. Online education opportunities were also discussed.
The workshop emphasized the need for more such events to drive positive change and empower the LGBT community.
Here are some pictures from the workshop:
