The month of June is observed as Pride month. This Pride month generally refers to awareness about social acceptance of the LBGTQ community. The LBGTQ community faces a lot of challenges and struggles to get accepted in our society. It is difficult to get solutions about the LGBTQ community, because of the discrimination against them It is important to spread awareness about the LGBTQ community. This is the real reason behind the celebration of “Pride Month” in June  

Today, on the occasion of Pride Month, we have a special guest and panelist with whom we are going to conduct- “An Open talk on the LGBTQ community” 

Joining the panel are- 

Dr.Kumar Kamble is an expert Psychiatrist, De-addiction Specialist, Sexologist, Speaker, Mental and Sexual Health Educator. He is also associated with the Umang Clinic. He has worked with King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Deaddiction center for 4 years as a Medical Office Coordinator. Based on his rich clinical expertise in de-addiction, we have come up with the next series on De-addiction. 

Bindiya Prabhakar is a psychologist and parenting coach. She is also the founder of Sugarplum- A platform for mom and kids mental health 

Prince Manvendraji Singh is the renowned name who has given 3 interviews with Oprah Winfrey. He empowers the LGBTQ community with his foundation “Lakqshya Trust.” He is a brand ambassador of many healthcare organizations. He is developing an LGBTQ community campus for social empowerment which is his dream project. 

LGBTQ and social acceptance by families and society 

Manvendraji Singh says, “I was getting treated from a nervous breakdown and was in the hospital at 38 years of age. A psychiatrist treating me informed my parents about being gay. He also informed me that it is completely natural. My parents went into total denial mode with the psychiatrist in accepting the same. Initially, the parents thought that it is a mental illness and requires surgical intervention like brain surgery. Many people and doctors conclude that it is not a mental illness.” 

Challenges faced  by parents to accept the LGBTQ

Bindiya Prabhakar says, “Parents are not completely under fault when it comes to acceptance of LGBTQ. It is mainly because society is wired in such a fashion. But, society is changing gradually to the LGBTQ community. Fixing our mindset towards acceptance of LGBTQ is very important. We have reached a point where acceptance for LGBTQ is started. It is our wish on how to live in life. Live and let live.”

Dr. Kumar Kamble informs, “To bring about change in society, the awareness and education must start at school levels. Starting right from basic education in school is very important. This will help in bringing about change in parents and society. The formed attitude towards the LGBTQ community needs to change. LGBTQ is quite a hesitating topic to talk about in our society. It is important to train parents and children at every level and standard. It is a simple change which can be brought about for LGBTQ.” 

Discrimination at the workplace for LGBTQ

Manvendraji informs, “I have been trained as a professional counselor by the “Humsafar Trust” which is the 1 st every NGO for LGBTQ.  We have a crisis management cell at “Lakshya Trust” to deal with such challenges. I would like to discuss a case about an eminent professional working in a corporation. It was observed that he was not given promotion as he belonged to the LGBTQ community. He approaches our crisis management cell for justice towards discrimination. This is a violation of human rights and the professional received an apology and earned his rights towards promotion.” 

Bindiya Prabhakar says, “15 - 43 % of gay people actually feel some discrimination and harassment. About 90 % of transgenders have reported this harassment at work. This is quite a startling number which suggests that it is quite a mental trauma for LGBTQ. The solution was not to get biased at the workplace and give equal opportunities at the workplace for everyone irrespective of the gender

Dr. Kumar Kamble informs, “Your contribution in the organization is important based on skills and education is important irrespective of personal choices. We should give equal rights to all. The Important crux from this example by Manvendrji is a clear highlight for hurdle at LBGTQ community.” 

Categorizing the LBGTQ community

Manvendraji states, “A role of counselor for communication is important. Any person who is a good listener can be a good counselor. Most of the problem is solved by listening to the people. Working with a school counselor is very important for students to listen to their issues. There are many issues in schools like ragging, bullying, and eve-teasing. Parents sometimes have limitations where they cannot talk openly with kids. Parents should be more of a friend than a counselor.” 

Bindiya Prabhakar says, “Reaching out to psychiatrists is quite an issue. It is important to reach out to a counselor, psychiatrist for support about their issues. 34 % of LBGTQ is bullied in school many times. The schools should include awareness, education, and counseling. A dedicated child psychologist in school is a must who follows ethics.”

Dr. Kumar Kamble informs, “Accept yourself the way you are and move ahead. Convince yourself first. Bisexual orientation can cause a nervous breakdown, depression, or anxiety. These are emotional health issues. Accepting yourself will help you deal with problems and other issues. LGBTQ acceptance should be normal.” 

On 6 th September 2015, homosexuality was legalized. Young minds must be trained about transgender which is real and natural. 

The Message from experts

Manvendraji states, “Before judging, please get into the shoes of the person. Know the struggles that person has gone through. This will help us understand that person well.”

Bindiya Prabhakar says, ”If you need support, Sugarplum is always there as a platform for parents. The message should be sent out to people to help them. LBGTQ faces a lot of mental trauma due to acceptance and challenges in society. We are there to support you.”

Dr. Kumar Kamble informs, “ Do not categorize yourself, we are all natural irrespective of our gender. We all are one and the same. Accept the way nature has created you. Accepting and convincing yourself is important.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)