June isn’t just about rainbows, it’s also time for allies to step up support for the LGBTQiA+ community. Here’s a directory of mental health resources, queer-owned businesses and donation drives to fall back on
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Mental health resources
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Inclusivity for all
Umang Support Group LBT is a collective aimed at helping lesbian, bisexual and trans (men) communities. Part of the Mumbai-based LGBTQiA+ organisation Humsafar Trust, Umang offers peer counselling services, virtual seminars on queer topics, workshops and more. “Challenges that affect LBT communities [those assigned the sex female at birth] are different from the issues faced by those assigned male. It helps to speak to those who have been in similar situations in life to address those issues,” says Shruta Rawat, research manager at Humsafar Trust and co-founder of Umang.
Log on to @umanglbt on Instagram
Queer positive
Hyderabad-based mental health service Pause For Perspective offers queer-affirmative mental health resources and support groups. They also conduct virtual workshops, lectures, guided meditation sessions, and more.
Log on to @pauseforperspective on Instagram
Safe spaces
Queer Youth Solidarity Support & Affirmation, or QYSSA, is an initiative operated by QueerAbad, an Ahmedabad-based community space for the LGBTQiA+ community. Every Wednesday, they conduct an online gathering for under-25 members. In this safe space, attendees can chat with each other, ask questions, share experiences, or even read out poems.
Log on to @queerabad on Instagram
Queer creators
Funky, happy tees
Bengaluru-based artist Nat Francis recently took to Instagram to sell T-shirts they designed to raise money for COVID-19 relief activities. “I thought T-shirts were a great way of having my art out there and from my position, I can afford to donate now,” says Francis.
Log on to @bomma.boy on Instagram
Dress the part
Assam-based apparel store Medusa is a venture by Purab Brahma. The store sells clothes, face masks, bags, socks, and other accessories. Their clothes often sport positive messages of Pride, inclusivity, and acceptance.
Log on to @medusa_pridestore on Instagram
Sport unique styles
Kebab Mein Haddi is a queer-owned clothing brand that has now come out with a Pride Collection, comprising T-shirts. They have an ongoing sale, so grab what you
can soon.
Log on to @kebabmeinhaddi on Instagram
Donation drives
Community living
All India Queer Association or AIQA has organised a donation drive to financially support queer and trans communities who’ve been adversely affected because of the pandemic.
Log on to @aiqa.lgbtqia on Instagram
Quick aid
Youth Feed India and Helping Hands is raising funds for marginalised communities. They aim to raise money for daily wagers, sex workers (including people from the trans community), and other marginalised sections.
Log on to milaap.org
On the ground
Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust’s fundraiser supports members of the trans community in Mumbai and Delhi who’ve been hit by the second wave. Funds will help build shelters and provide medicines.
Log on to tweetindia.org
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