Even six years after the Supreme Court passed its landmark judgement decriminalising homosexuality, the queer community continues to suffer physical and emotional violence and systemic discrimination in both the private and public spheres. As homophobia and stigma prevail,the queer community laments the inability to ‘be themselves’ in the spaces they occupy. The Queer-Trans Wellness & Support Center (QT Center), a first-of-its-kind resource centre, was started in April 2023, in Habsiguda, Hyderabad – to provide an open and freeing space for the LGBTQIA+ community to exist, unapologetically.
Speaking to The Hindu , Tashi Choedup, a core team member of the centre and a long-time queer-rights activist, says: “The idea for QT Center emerged in the middle of the pandemic when everything was shut down and many queer and trans people were stuck in their natal homes, which is often breeding groundfor violence. They did not have a place to feel safe or experience some form of community. Thus, we wanted to offer them a space where they can rest, interact with others, form friendships, dress however they want, participate in workshops, take initiative to conduct workshops, and ultimately feel continued support.
” Run by Yugantar, a 43-year-old city-based NGO, the centre is open through Wednesday-Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. The members of the community are encouraged to simply walk in and participate in the many activities such as workshops, events, talks, film screenings, commun.