Chennai: Move to soothe troubled minds this Pride Month

CHENNAI: Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community face discrimination and harassment from their families. That's why the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have had a huge impact on them. Cut away from their support systems, many struggle with mental health issues. So, this Pride Month, organisations and activists working with the community have decided to provide mental health interventions for those in need.
"Due to the lockdown, many community members are forced to stay with families who do not support them. They face stigma and discrimination in their own homes and it's impacting their confidence," says Jaya, general manager of Sahodaran, a male sexual health project. The organisation held a flag hoisting following all Covid-19 safety protocols on June 1 to mark the beginning of Pride Month. "It symbolised the fact that we are all there to help and support our community members. We are planning to conduct mental health counselling online as many people from the community have battled Covid-19, lost loved ones, are struggling for their livelihood or dealing with hostile families. And we are thinking of holding a Pride March later this year if the situation gets better."
Sharan Karthik Raj of the Tamil Nadu LGBTIQ movement is also organising Vaanam Vasappadum 2.0. "We will have a panel discussion with community leaders on depression and suicide and also cultural programmes," he says.
Kalki Subramaniam of Sahodari Foundation is also organising mental health interventions. "We will be having an online session with psychologists and counsellors. We are also organising one-on-one sessions for people who are reaching out to us," says Kalki, who is speaking at corporate events to raise funds for the community. Sahodari Foundation has also partnered with Social Samosa, an online media publication covering the social media landscape, to conduct performances and events.
Other initiatives include a Remembrance Day. "Many LGBT people have died and have lost loved ones so we want to dedicate a day in their honour," says Srijith Sundaram, who runs a trans community kitchen in Ernavur and Porur.
"We will light diyas, play soothing music and it will be streamed online."