Queers Ki Kahani Creates Safe Space for LGBTQIA+ Community in Naharlagun
The community gathering in Naharlagun provided an informal space for LGBTQIA+ members to share personal experiences, challenges and hopes without fear of judgement.
NAHARLAGUN- A community-driven gathering titled “Queers Ki Kahani – Our Voice, Our Story” brought members of the LGBTQIA+ community together in Naharlagun on Sunday, creating an informal space for sharing stories, poetry, shayari, conversations and personal experiences. The gathering was organised by AP QueerStation at Your Favourite Café.
The central focus of the gathering was the need for safe spaces where queer individuals can speak openly without fear of judgement or criticism. Participants shared experiences involving pain, loss, coming out, lack of family and social support, abuse, mental health struggles and other challenges associated with living in a largely heteronormative society.
The gathering was described as more than a formal programme. It was intended to provide members with an opportunity to listen to one another, understand shared experiences and build a stronger sense of community.
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Participants emphasised that opportunities to openly discuss their lives and experiences without criticism remain limited. The gathering was presented as a space where members could express themselves and, for some, simply be themselves within a supportive community environment.
The informal session was hosted by Toriq Bomshok, who explained the purpose of the gathering and highlighted the importance of solidarity, respect and community support. A welcome address was delivered by Sawang Wangchha, followed by personal stories, reflections and experiences shared by members of the community.
The event also acknowledged the difficulties faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including discrimination, isolation and rejection. Participants remembered community members whose lives had been lost to suicide in recent months, recognising both their lives and the grief experienced by those who knew them.
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AP QueerStation has been working to create safe and inclusive spaces for indigenous queer people and the wider LGBTQIA+ community in Arunachal Pradesh through community gatherings, advocacy, storytelling, sensitisation programmes and collective action.
The community reiterated its message that “Hate is a sin and love is love,” while emphasising solidarity and mutual respect. Wangchha also stressed the importance of queer communities coming together to claim and create spaces and rights that may not otherwise be readily available to marginalised communities.
The gathering ended on a positive note, with participants expressing hope for the future and a renewed sense of community.
The organisers also thanked the owners and staff of Your Favourite Café for hosting the gathering and maintaining what they described as a queer-friendly environment. According to the organisers, the café has become a welcoming space for members of the queer community in Arunachal Pradesh.
