Guwahati: In an initiative to foster social acceptance and inclusion for LGBTQ+ communities, an interactive conclave, titled “Voices of Diversity: Action for Inclusion,” unfolded on Thursday at the Tourist Lodge in Dimapur, Nagaland.
The event, organised by Story Center, USA, in collaboration with BRIDGE, Prodigal’s Home, and Guardian Angel Society, received overwhelming engagement from stakeholders across various sectors. Supported by the U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata, the conclave marked a crucial step in advocating for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in society.
This initiative is part of the broader project “Rainbow Dialogues: All in this Together,” implemented in seven Indian states by Story Center, U.S.A., BRIDGE, India, and Prodigals’ Home, India, with backing from the U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata. The project aims to spark conversations, promote evidence-based dialogues, storytelling, and network building, fostering inclusion, social acceptance, and employment opportunities for LGBTQ+ community members.
Prithviraj Nath, Director of BRIDGE, led the conclave, presenting outcomes of a perception survey involving over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals and 200 employers, educators, and service providers across seven states. The event featured the screening of short films portraying LGBTQ+ stories and included personal narratives and struggles shared by community members. A panel discussion, moderated by Mahua Seth of BRIDGE, delved into the subject of inclusion, with panelists addressing questions and perspectives from the audience.
Notable contributions during the panel discussion included Imliben Lemtur, an entrepreneur, committing to reserve posts for LGBTQ+ individuals in her paper bag manufacturing unit in Dimapur. Dr. Hotoka Hesso, Senior Medical Officer at the ART Plus Centre Dimapur, highlighted challenges in healthcare setups based on conventional gender norms and stressed the importance of coordination between networks and healthcare departments.
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Dr. Bernice Dzuvichu Thapru, Joint Director, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, emphasized the significance of acceptance as the initial step toward building a gender-sensitive and equitable environment.
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