Itanagar: After a highly successful queer storytelling event in 2022 organized by AP QueerStation, the sole queer support group in Arunachal Pradesh, “Queers Ki Kahani 2.0” returned on Saturday, drawing a significant turnout of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Participants who gathered for the event were not only from the Itanagar Capital Region but also from districts like Lower Subansiri, Tirap, and West Siang.
This time, the event was exclusively for the queer community, aiming to offer a secure environment free from fear or scepticism.
A total of 35 queer individuals, representing almost all spectrums of the LGBTQ+ community, participated in the event.
They shared personal stories of struggle, self-discovery, childhood trauma, confusing experiences, bullying, and inspiring tales of happiness.
Kicking off the event, one storyteller, Ruth, who travelled all the way from Aalo, West Siang, shared her journey of discovering her queer identity.
She recounted the difficulties she faced in identifying as a lesbian woman due to the over-sexualization of the term “lesbian” in media and society.
Ruth said it took her a long time to openly accept her identity and highlighted the importance of media sensitization on queer topics and the negative impact of over-sexualizing LGBTQ+ themes.
Another storyteller, Tom, from Itanagar, spoke of his experience of coming out to his family members and plans to come out to his parents.
He shared the challenges and positive experiences he has had as a gay person, emphasizing that, despite the difficulties, he does not see his story as sad but rather a testament to his resilience.
A student from RGU, Doimukh, who preferred to remain anonymous, spoke about the daily bullying and humiliation he faces for being gay. He called for more awareness and sensitization programmes about gender and sexual minorities in educational sectors.
AP QueerStation founder Sawang Wangchha emphasized the importance of queer activism in Arunachal Pradesh, urging attendees to stand up against taboo, discrimination, and injustice. He stressed the need for more queer activists in the state.
Wangchha highlighted that in over 60 countries, LGBTQIA+ individuals face legal challenges, with severe penalties, including life imprisonment and death in some cases.
He called for the global queer community to unite and fight against these injustices.
Wangchha also requested all queer people in Arunachal to support the initiatives by AP QueerStation, believing that mutual support and solidarity are essential for keeping the community safe and strong.
The event was held in collaboration with the Café Central Perk in Naharlagun.
Café owner Nabam Esther expressed here pleasure to host the wonderful and warm group of people.
Esther emphasized the importance of conducting more events like ‘Queers Ki Kahani’ to support the LGBTQIA+ community and promote general awareness of their issues and rights.
Also read: Stigma faced by queer community discussed in 5th AP Queer Station meet
