5th LGBTQIA+ meet up held at Queer station Arunachal

Itanagar: To continue the momentum of the ongoing queer movement in the state, AP Queer Station organized its 5th Queer Meetup on Sunday at Sango Village Complex, Itanagar where they organized the meetup ‘True LGBTQIA+ allyship’. Discussed the main topics starting with the theme. Many sensitive topics such as social stigma, taboo and inequality faced by the queer community in Arunachal Pradesh. The meetup was attended by more than 100 queer individuals as well as allies who participated in activities like poetry sessions, dance, storytelling sessions and more.
The event began with a welcome speech by queer activist Sawang Wangchha, followed by a speech by ally Tomo Habung (Him/Him) on ‘True LGBTQIA + Allyship’ and ‘Mental Health Issues’ and Two technical sessions were held on ‘Legal Rights and Protection’. ‘ conducted by community members Yuma Narah (he/she), psychologist, and Adv. Ebo Mili (he/she), lawyer, respectively.

The event was attended by Dr. Jamuna Bini, a noted author, and academician from RGU as the guest speaker who shared her thoughts and expressed her love and support for the LGBTQIA+ community of Arunachal Pradesh. Dr. Jamuna also enlightened the participants about the existence of queer people in ancient times and talked about the stories and references of queer characters in Indian history as well as Indian mythology.She also shared the story of a queer person she knew who faced all sorts of taunts, bullying and harassment throughout her life for being a Queer person. In her closing speech, Dr. Jamuna promised to continue her efforts to work for the betterment of the LGBTQIA+ community in Arunachal in the days to come.

The meeting also included a story-sharing session in which a member of the AP QueerStation, Lo Nalo (he/Him), identified as a transman and shared his story of coming out to his family. was described and he has to face daily difficulties. Life because of her gender identity, gender expression and sexuality.
In the poetry session, APLS members also participated where well-known poets like Chasom Bosai (He/She) and Wanggo Socia (He/She) recited powerful poems dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ people of the state.
The program concluded with a fashion show where AP Queerstation members as well as allies participating in the meetup walked the ramp.
In a final vote of thanks, the AP Queerstation team thanked Managing Director Kipa Tarang (He/Him) and the staff of Sango Restaurant for providing a safe space for their meeting. The team is committed to continue working for the advocacy and human rights of LGBTQIA+ people in the state.