‘Many people are still closeted’

Goa Rainbow Trust works for the welfare of the LGBTQ+ community in Goa. They’ve conducted several sessions at various institutions in Goa, and have also been at a discussion forum at Chowgule College (Margao). The annual Pride march (PRIDE de GOA) in November organised by Trust sees a voluminous response on the streets on the capital city.

Recently, on June 27, 2020, The Rainbow Trust was also featured on Global Pride 2020, a digital event organised to commemorate Pride Month. The event helped raise donations for Global Pride Relief Fund in light of the current COVID-19 scenario. It was the biggest ever LGBTQ+ celebration to date, and was live streamed for over 24 hours.

In a tête-à-tête with NT NETWORK, CEO and founder Goa Rainbow Trust, Chris Fernandes, laments that while the history of the LGBTQ + community’s struggle for rights gets highlighted, their struggle is far from over.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q. What are the issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces in Goa?

One of the issues faced by the community in Goa is the fear of opening up to friends and family due to the possibility of being disowned or, in certain cases, facing far worse circumstances. Another is the lack of educational institutions proactively raising awareness about the community — either on their own, or with the help of organisations that work for such causes. Lastly, people who choose to express themselves as they, are often bullied/teased in their friend circles, which has an adverse psychological impact on them.

Q. Can you shed light on size of the community in Goa, the demographics, etc?

Putting a number on the size or qualifying the demographics of the LGBTQ+ community, be it in Goa or even the whole country, is almost impossible at the moment. Many people are still closeted, and hesitate to even approach organisations that could be safe spaces for them, for fear of being ousted. Besides, many are exploring themselves, trying to fathom what best defines their identity.

Q. Unlock 2.0 is here now, but Lockdown 1.0 to 5.0 could have wrecked some havoc and damage to a lot of the members. Your thoughts

As far as my knowledge is concerned, those trapped in homophobic and abusive households will be the most affected by lockdowns. They face not only physical torture, but also psychological, and emotional trauma. That being said, on a slightly positive note, if the families are a bit more open or friendly, I feel that the lockdown could offer opportunities for conversations around topics, and issues related to LGBTQ+, and help pave the way for acceptance.

Q. Goa Rainbow Trust has been doing some significant work. But, what can ‘we’- the government, families and friends do to create a happier place for the LGBTQ+ in Goa?

The foremost expectation of the queer community from the society as well as the institutions is govern/sustain/uphold the principles of rights and justice within the society where they are freely accepted, respected, and treated with dignity. The views of people from different backgrounds may differ on various issues. But as far as I am aware, many hope that people will start to bring LGBTQ+ conversations into the mainstream, and channelise acceptance for LGBTQ+ folk into the hearts and minds of the society.

From the government, I hope that it will proactively work on, and adopt policies that recognise and protect the rights of every member of the LGBTQ+ community.

I also hope that families will start to understand their LGBTQ+ children, instead of slamming all doors shut at the sound of the phrase ‘I am LGBTQ+’.