QMEET (Monthly Support Group Meeting)

Today on16 March 2025, YUTAK Trust organized a special Holi edition of its monthly support group meeting, QMeet, which saw the gathering of 52 participants. The meet was a wonderful blend of serious discussions around community safety and fun interactive activities themed around Holi, celebrating the spirit of togetherness and colors.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Community Message on Extortion Cases:

The session began with individual introductions, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed. Anil and Vaidehi addressed a crucial issue — the alarming rise in money extortion cases in Pune targeting queer individuals.

They emphasized how, along with rising cases, there has also been a significant rise in people raising their voices and seeking help through YUTAK. Anil shared that YUTAK has been actively helping individuals take legal action, including filing FIRs and reaching out to police authorities.

They also explained that the collaboration between the survivor (victim) and the police is key to tackling these cases effectively. Anil cited a recent success story where, through YUTAK's support, the survivor was able to identify the perpetrators, showcasing the importance of timely support and community action.

2. Holi-Themed Group Activity:

To celebrate Holi, participants were divided into groups of 4 or more. Each group was assigned a color (from options like Queer Flag colors, White, Black, Pink, Grey).

The groups were then asked to reflect on what that color means to them, personally or in the context of their queer identities and experiences.

This activity turned into a beautiful sharing circle, where groups presented creative and thoughtful reflections, making the space vibrant with emotions and colors.

The event concluded on a joyful note of 'Bura na Maano Holi Hai', with some participants playing Holi in its true spirit, adding more color to the evening.

Thank you Nutri Chef Chaitanya

OUTCOMES:

1. Increased Awareness on Community Safety: Participants became more informed about the ongoing extortion cases and ways to seek help and legal support through YUTAK.

2. Strengthened Sense of Belonging: Through open sharing and group activities, participants felt a deeper sense of connection and solidarity.

3. Creative Engagement & Expression: The Holi-themed color activity encouraged participants to reflect on their identities in unique and creative ways, fostering self-expression.

4. Celebration of Queer Joy: The meet beautifully balanced serious discussions with fun, helping everyone experience a safe and joyous queer space.

We had the privilege of conducting a gender sensitization and LGBTQ awareness session at the prestigious Bhartiya Jain Sanghatana College (@bjs_college) in Wagholi. Over 95 students attended the session, and we're grateful to Dr. Sanjay Gaikwad (Principal), Dr. Madhuri Deshmukh, and Prof. Monika Jain for inviting us and providing us with this opportunity.

Vaidehi Warhade, a working transgender individual, and Anil Ukarande, addressed the fundamentals and concerns surrounding the LGBTQ community.

-March 13, 2025

QMEET (Monthly Support Group Meeting)

On 16 February 2025, YUTAK Trust organized its monthly support group meeting 'QMEETS' at Sambhaji Raje Garden, Deccan. Time was 6:30 pm onwards. The meeting was attended by a diverse group, including allies the total numbers of the participants were 62.

Key Highlights:

1. The monthly support group meeting celebrated Valentine's Day, emphasizing inclusivity, love, and self-expression in a safe and welcoming environment.

2. A special activity was conducted where participants anonymously wrote positive compliments and heartfelt messages to people they admired or wished to start a conversation with. This activity promoted appreciation, open communication, and emotional expression.

3. The meeting saw active participation, with attendees exchanging sweets and roses as gestures of love and friendship, fostering a sense of warmth and belonging.

Outcomes:

1. Encouraged self-expression and strengthened interpersonal connections within the community.

2. Fostered a supportive atmosphere where participants could celebrate love in all its forms.

3. Strengthened bonds between attendees, including allies, reinforcing a sense of community and acceptance.

QMeet (Monthly Support Group Meeting) 

On 19 January 2025 YUTAK Trust successfully conducted its monthly support group meeting, QMeet, which witnessed an increased participation of LBT members this time. A total number of 67 participants attended the meeting. The meeting was a blend of personal experiences, interactive activities, and helpful discussions, aimed at fostering awareness, safety within the community. 

Key Highlights: 

1. Experience Sharing:

One participant shared their journey of connecting with YUTAK and how it played an important role in their personal growth and sense of belonging. 

Another participant narrated how YUTAK supported them in initiating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices at their workplace, highlighting the trust's impact in corporate spaces. 

2. Group Activities:

Participants were divided into four teams to brainstorm and present their views on critical topics relevant to the queer community. The topics included: 

Rising Extortion Cases: Discussion centered on ways to stay alert, handle such situations, identify sources of support, and measures to safeguard oneself. 

Safety on Dating Apps: Teams shared ideas on approaching people safely, understanding red flags, and ensuring a safe and secure dating experience. 

Positives of Queer Dating: The teams reflected on the uplifting aspects of queer dating, sharing experiences that celebrate love and connection within the community. 

Outcomes:

1. Awareness: Enhanced understanding among participants about handling extortion cases, identifying safe practices, and providing community support. 

2. Safety Measures: Increased awareness of safety protocols and measures and respectful behavior while using dating apps. 

3. Community Growth: The rise in LBT members this time highlights the YUTAK's expanding reach and inclusiveness.

PCMC's 6th LGBTIQ Pride Walk demanding 1% Horizontal Reservation for transgender person.

Route: Started at Linear Garden, proceeding through Kokane Chowk, Wakad Bhosari BRT road, Shivar Garden Chowk, Jagtap Dairy Bridge U-turn, and concluded back at Linear Garden.

Objective: The Honourable Supreme Court, in its historic judgment of National Legal Services Authority vs. Union of India 2014, popularly known as NLSA judgement, ruled that transgender persons should be given reservations in education and employment. However, even after 10 years of this judgment, neither the central nor the state government has provided reservations to transgender persons in employment. Therefore, the main demand of this parade is that the Maharashtra state should provide 1% horizontal reservation for the transgender community

Participation: Approximately 270 individuals from the LGBTIQA community and allies participated in the Pride Walk, representing various NGOs and organizations, including Bindu Queer Rights Foundation Pune, Runanubadh, Sweekar, Nakshatra Bagawe, CYDA, Shikhandi Trust, Jatan Foundation, Mukta charitable trust, safe stories

Grand Marshal: Nikita Mukhyadal, a renowned transgender activist from Pimpri-Chinchwad, led the Pride Walk as the Grand Marshal. Nikita has made significant contributions to the community, including a landmark legal victory for the inclusion of the 'Third Gender' option in Maharashtra police recruitment and Co-Grand Marshal Reyansh Lohkare a transman representative led the pride walk.

Acknowledgments: We extend our gratitude to the Commissioner of Police, Pimpri, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bapu Bangar, Sangvi Police and Kalewadi police officers for their cooperation and support in granting police permission.

Thanks to volunteers without whom the smooth functioning and management was not possible: Akshay Kshirsagar, Amol Shinde, Sachin Shinde, Bindumadhav Khire, Suresh Khole, Vinod Jadhav, Premanand s. Zoya Shirole, Madhurima Datar, Yash Bhalekar, Shashikant, Mahadev, Mahesh parkhe, Chetan Chavhan and Mayur Patare. 

'MOOKNAYAK' Marathi LGBTQ Lit. Festival 2024

Qmeets (Monthly LGBTIQ Support Group Meeting)

Today, 17 November 2024, YUTAK Trust organized its monthly support group meeting 'QMEETS' at Sambhaji Raje Garden, Deccan, from 6:30 pm onwards. The meeting was attended by 43 participants.

Key Highlights:

1. The monthly support group meeting focused on Asexuality and Aromanticism, aiming to create awareness, understanding, and inclusivity. The discussion explored the spectrum of asexuality and aromanticism, debunking common misconceptions.

2. An intersex individual, Harshada, shared their poignant experience of self-discovery, family acceptance, and societal challenges.

3. Group activity: Interactive games and exercises, facilitated by Swapnil Chavan, encouraged empathy, understanding, and bonding among participants.

Outcomes:

1. Enhanced understanding of asexuality and aromanticism among participants.

2. Strengthened sense of community and belonging.

3. Increased empathy and support for diverse identities.

Gratitude:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

• Swapnil Chavan for facilitating engaging activities.

• Harshada for sharing their inspiring story.

• All participants for their active engagement.

• Anup for generously providing tea for all participants, making our tea time truly enjoyable.

Thank you to everyone who made this meeting a success!

Nirali-Diwali 2024 (Diwali Celebration for the LGBTQ+ Community)

1. Event Date: Sunday, 27/10/204

2. Total Participants: 39

3. Event Location: Shikshak Bhavan, Navipeth, Pune.

• To provide a warm and inclusive Diwali celebration for LGBTQ+ individuals who may be unable to spend the holiday with their families or loved ones due to various reasons. The event aimed to create a sense of belonging, joy, and community among participants.

Event Activities:

1. Rangoli Making: Mayur, Mangal Vinod and Ashish engaged in creating beautiful and colorful Rangoli designs, symbolizing the vibrancy and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

2. Introduction Round: A fun and interactive icebreaker activity where participants introduced themselves and shared a bit about their experiences.

3. Lamp Lighting Ceremony: A traditional lamp lighting ceremony was held to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. And sent a message that Love Wins.

4. Dance and Music: A lively dance and music session filled the air with joy and excitement, encouraging participants to let loose and have fun. Siddharth, Harshal, Nilesh performed the dance.

5. Poem Recitation: Vivek Patil, Shital and Ajay Pophale A talented participant recited a heartfelt poem that resonated with the audience, evoking emotions of love, acceptance, and resilience.

6. Faral Distribution: Delicious Faral (sweets) were distributed to all participants. Special thanks to Bindu Queer Rights Foundation and Gauri Datar.

7. Group Photos: Memorable group photos were taken with consent to capture the spirit of the event.

This event is supported by:

Sameer Samudra and Amit G.

(The firs Marathi same-sex married couple and petitioner for Gay marriage in India) sponsored the event and shared their love to Pune LGBTQ community.

Volunteers: We are grateful to all our volunteers who helped to make this event successful. @mayur.patare @y.s.b_111 @xx__.shantanu.__xx @sureshkhole @vinuvjadhav @mangalbodele @ashish_s_dhole @harshaljadhav800 @koradeAshish, Aditya Korade.

A Home Away from Home this Diwali. Join our LGBTQ+ friendly gathering and experience love, laughter, and belonging!

#DiwaliWithLove #lgbtqwelcome #DiwaliForAll #lgbtq #InclusionMatters #HomeAwayFromHome #lovewins

To provide a safe space in Pune for LGBT individuals we organise Qmeets (a monthly support group meeting). It's a platform to share experiences, discuss challenges, and receive support.

The LGBTIQ Befriender Workshop aimed to educate and empower participants on crucial topics related to sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, and legal rights within the LGBTIQ community. The workshop, sponsored by the Humsafar Trust, Transcend, Bindu Queer Rights Foundation, and STAPI.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP:

The objectives of the workshop is to train young leaders from the LGBTIQ community to provide support and help to those in need. To empower more LGBTIQ individuals to become befrienders and create a safer, more supportive environment for the LGBTQ community in Pune.

The workshop details were as follows:

• Date: 22nd September, 2024 (One day)

• Venue: Hotel Madhav International

• Number of participants: 20 

Topics and Resource persons-

1. Anil Ukarande, this session provided foundational knowledge on sex, gender identity, and sexuality, setting the stage for deeper discussions. 

2. Rujuta Deshmankar (Clinical Psychologist/RCI Reg.) conducted this important session on peer counselling techniques and mental health support, emphasizing empathy, ethics and active listening skills. 

3. Adv. Bindumadhav Khire addressed legal issues faced by the LGBTIQ community, providing insights into effective crisis management and support strategies.

4. Dr. Kanchan Pawar led a detailed session on HIV/STI care, discussing prevention, treatment, and the importance of support networks. 

CONCLUSION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The LGBTIQ Befriender Workshop was a resounding success, creating collaborative environment for learning and support. Participants left equipped with valuable skills and knowledge to better serve the LGBTIQ community, promoting awareness and advocacy. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the insightful sessions and the opportunity to connect with like-minded queer individuals. 

A special thank you to our sponsors: Humsafar Trust and it’s Transcend initiative, Bindu Queer Rights Foundation, and STAPI, as well as all speakers, participants, volunteert and Board members of YUTAK for their contributions and dedication to making this workshop impactful and successful. 

On 15 September 2024 we organised our monthly support group meeting QMeets. To create a supportive and safe environment for the LGBTQ community we discussed the topic of Suicide prevention and encouraged help seeking behaviour. The team Connecting Ngo  Anuja patil (Outreach & Awareness coordinator) Suhasini Ravindrnath (Volunteer) conducted activities and delivered information on suicide prevention. Our team and all 38 participants are thankful to both of them.