NAHARLAGUN, 2 May: The AP QueerStation and the Oju Welfare Association (OWA) jointly organised an LGBTQIA+ meetup here on Sunday.
The event witnessed participation of over 40 attendees, comprising members of queer communities and their allies.
Six short films reflecting the lives and struggles of various spectrums of LGBTQ+ individuals were screened during the meetup.
During the event, Sawang Wangchha, a queer activist, highlighted the significance of staying informed about the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court regarding marriage rights and why it is essential for the community’s progress. Additionally, a few individuals from the queer community who are still in the closet shared their personal stories of struggle.
The OWA’s women helpline administrator Binny Yachu motivated the attendees to remain strong, fight for their rights, and not lose hope. She emphasised the importance of the community collaborating with the OWA to fight for other vulnerable groups such as children who are victims of child abuse, child labour, and women who are subjected to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and trafficking.
The AP QueerStation team expressed gratitude to OWA chairperson Anya Ratan for extending warm welcome to the LGBTQIA+ community of Arunachal Pradesh and providing a safe space for them to conduct events, as well as providing shelter to vulnerable queer individuals in need.
