A safe space for the QT Center in Hyderabad for the queer and trans community

Six years after the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling decriminalizing homosexuality, the queer community continues to suffer physical and emotional violence and systemic discrimination in the private and public spheres. As homophobia and stigma run rampant, the queer community laments the inability to “be themselves” in the spaces they inhabit.

The Queer-Trans Wellness & Support Center (QT Center), a first-of-its-kind resource center, was launched in April 2023 in Habsiguda, Hyderabad – to provide an open and liberating space for the LGBTQIA+ community to exist, unapologetically.

Speaking to The Hindu, Tashi Choedup, a core member of the center’s team and a long-time queer-rights activist, says, “The idea to start the QT center came in the middle of the pandemic, when everything was closed and many queer and trans people were stuck in their native homes, which is often a breeding ground for violence. So they didn’t have a place to feel safe and offer them respite. Communicate with others, form friendships, dress however they want, to participate in workshops, to take the initiative in leading workshops and ultimately to feel sustained support.”

The center is run by Yugantar, a 43-year-old city-based NGO, and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Community members are encouraged to simply walk in and participate in the many activities such as workshops, events, lectures, film screenings, community dinners, dances and potlucks held throughout the week. Visitors can also stop by themselves, study or work, or even simply relax inside the center for as long as they want. It is equipped with a kitchen, groceries, WiFi, library, garden, television and other facilities. Some of the main events include Queer Up, Queer Book Club, Queer Translation Project and Dinner with QTies, among others.

Health care

Medical Camp organized by Apollo Foundation at QT Center | Photo credit: Special arrangement

In terms of tangible support for vulnerable members of the community, the QT Center offers free mental health services to all through group therapy or individual counseling sessions in conjunction with Pause For Perspective. They also host mental health support groups for asexual and aromantic people, for queer and trans people over 30, for trans-masculine identities, etc. “We use theatre, movement, reading, film and different media to engage with people – to process our own emotions and how to regulate depression or anxiety,” says Tashi.

Teja, 26, who identifies on the asexual and aromantic spectrum, started attending the center in October last year and says he hasn’t come across a similar support group elsewhere. “The QT Center is the first place I felt seen and heard. I first started therapy through the QT Center and Pause For Perspective because they are a safe and reliable network of people,” she says.

Legal support

The center also offers pro-bono legal advice and support in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of Telangana. “Every Saturday, one lawyer from DLSA comes here and provides legal assistance to queer and trans people facing domestic violence, medical abuse, property issues, workplace harassment, tenancy issues, etc.,” informs Priyanka, the center manager.

“One of our success stories is helping a trans woman get a share of her ancestral property. As trans people are often excluded from their ancestral property or any other financial means, returning her share will significantly improve her quality of life,” she adds.

Crisis intervention

There is also a 24*7 toll-free crisis intervention helpline (+91 8897533014) in collaboration with Bhumika Women’s Collective, where people from the community can approach in situations of immediate or imminent danger.

“We have been rescuing people and also helping them with the police. In some cases we have accompanied them to the police station and helped them file a complaint because queer people are often not taken seriously by the police or the government machinery,” says Priyanka. “We also provide support in the field of medical emergencies, we try to raise money for vulnerable people through crowdfunding or connecting them with other relevant organizations. There are at least one or two crisis calls every day,” adds Tashi.

To ensure the safety of the passengers and to avoid any untoward incident, the core team works closely with the local police station and women safety department. The center was inaugurated by Additional Director General of Women Security Wing Shikha Goel and the then Principal Secretary Urban Development and Municipal Administration Arvind Kumar. CCTV cameras are also installed outside the center to monitor entrances and exits.

‘Takes up space’

Amitesh, a 24-year-old postgraduate music student who has been a regular at the center for the past year, says he feels safe and has a sense of camaraderie like nowhere else. “When I was in the heteronormative world, I always had to turn off a part of myself because I’m gay. Even in my work or creativity, I was afraid to write or sing certain songs about my identity. People here validated me in a way that helped me get rid of those reservations. Now I’m doing music sessions here and I feel more balanced than ever,” he says.

Aditya Raja, another member of the core team, believes that the ethos of the QT Center is that it is run by the community and belongs to the community. “People are encouraged to come here and take ownership of the space because agency is something they often lack in their personal or professional lives,” she says.

The center aims to remain simple and easily replicable so that other cities can be inspired and establish similar spaces. “We need spaces that are queer-owned and cater exclusively to queer people, instead of organizations that are only ‘queer-friendly’ one day a week or during June. There needs to be more spaces without vested interests or profit,” adds Aditya.

With the motto “Rest, Revive, Recover,” Tashi emphasizes that queer community well-being as social justice is at the core of this initiative. “Weird people are always in survival mode, constantly fighting discrimination and violence in their lives. So rest comes first, then we can revive ourselves and finally reclaim our place in society. Because the world also belongs to us, just like anyone else, right?” she asks.

Published – 12 Aug 2024 16:24 IST