Tag: Conversion Therapy

This image is a combination of a photograph with text extracted from the accompanying article superimposed on the photograph. The photograph shows a dusk-time long shot of a sunset. The sun, a golden yellow sphere, can be seen gleaming at the bottom edge of the photograph. Some building tops and TV antennae silhouetted against the sunlight can also be seen along the bottom edge of the photograph. The rest of the photograph shows a wide expanse of a mauve sky speckled with light clouds. The text is presented in a typeface resembling handwriting and says: “When we talk of the pain and trauma of conversion therapy, this is also an area where I feel compelled to intervene and stop this horrific practice. Aritra, we both know people who have gone through this, and we have learned from them about the torturous outcomes and consequences. It is heartbreaking to think that wanting to live as who we are is still considered to be something to be ashamed of and to remain hidden. So, as someone older, I also want those younger to know that it is possible to not just survive, but to thrive, to find love, to create a chosen family, and to also continue to strive for change.” Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

On queer self-determination (part 2)

By Meera, Aritra C.

The e-conversation between mental health professionals Meera Dhebar and Aritra C. on queer worldmaking across time periods and cultures continues

This illustration is a combination of a photograph and text extracted from the accompanying article. The photograph shows a scene from the dialogue ‘Queer Worldmaking in the Face of Conversion Therapy’ that took place at Kalinath Angan, Kolkata on January 18, 2025. Moderator Meghjit Sengupta (centre) and panellist Aritra C. (to Meghjit’s left) look on as panellist Meera Dhebar makes a point during the dialogue. Meera refers to a file on her laptop as she speaks. The laptop is kept on a centre table placed close to the three speakers. A Progress Pride Flag can be seen mounted on the wall behind the speakers. A phone mounted on a tripod stand for recording the dialogue is placed a couple of feet from the speakers. The scene captured in the photograph can also be seen on the mobile phone screen. The accompanying text says: “Because sometimes in this very cis-heteronormative and heteropatriarchal world steeped in discourses of othering, a few moments of solace in being seen can provide enough joy to carry us through the moments of isolation and disconnection.” Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

Commentary Jun '25

On queer self-determination (part 1)

By Meera, Aritra C.

An e-conversation series between mental health professionals Meera Dhebar and Aritra C. on queer worldmaking across time periods and cultures

This photograph shows a close shot of the dialogue ‘Queer Worldmaking in the Face of Conversion Therapy’. Moderator Meghjit Sengupta (centre) and panellist Aritra Chatterjee (to Meghjit’s left) look on as panellist Meera Dhebar makes a point during the dialogue held at Kalinath Angan in South Kolkata on January 18, 2025. Meera refers to a file on her laptop as she speaks. The laptop is kept on a centre table placed close to the three speakers. A Progress Pride Flag can be seen mounted on the wall behind the speakers. A phone mounted on a tripod stand for recording the dialogue is placed a couple of feet from the speakers. The scene captured in the photograph can also be seen on the mobile phone screen. Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

Happenings, Insight Feb '25

Queer worldmaking as a form of resilience

By Meghjit Sengupta, Surjo Pramanik

Meghjit Sengupta and Surjo Pramanik report on a dialogue on mental health perspectives from Canada and India organized by Varta Trust’s support group for mental health peer counsellors

Quote: Justice Bhat issued a direction to the State to address the discrimination that trans and queer couples face in relation to social welfare entitlements and employment benefits in cases where such benefits can only be available to legally married couples. Justice Chandrachud spoke about the urgent need for anti-discrimination laws which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and give full effect to all civil and social rights of trans and queer persons. Justice Kaul agreed with him on the need for an anti-discrimination law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Advice - Rights and Laws, Vartanama Oct '23

Anti-discrimination mantra for long and happy trans and queer lives (married or not)

By Namrata

Namrata examines the Supreme Court’s marriage equality verdict and suggests further advocacy and litigation possibilities for queer activists and lawyers – with inputs from Lalit Panda, Senior Resident Fellow (Charkha),...

The graphic shows a circular word cloud formed with terms and expressions used in the accompanying article. For example, ‘domestic violence’, ‘marriage’, ‘coercion’, ‘family violence’, ‘eviction’, ‘threats’, ‘police’, ‘queer’ and so on. The text in the word cloud is in a light colour and stands against a background of deep blue. The circular word cloud is itself placed on a black rectangular shape with fuzzy outlines, and this rectangle is placed on a background made up of the rainbow pride flag colours. The word cloud, the rectangle and their colouration are meant to symbolize a reality check when it comes to the experiences of queer people in India even after decriminalization. Graphic credit: Pawan Dhall

Advice - Rights and Laws Sep '20

Stay home, stay safe?

By Diksha Sanyal

COVID-19 lockdowns may eventually go, but domestic violence against queer persons not quite so. Diksha Sanyal offers some legal solutions

Tagged Under: Conversion Therapy

On queer self-determination (part 2)

On queer self-determination (part 1)

Queer worldmaking as a form of resilience

Anti-discrimination mantra for long and happy trans and queer lives (married or not)

Stay home, stay safe?

Queer Friendly Resources

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