As part of the “Rainbow Dialogues: All in this Together” project, a conclave was held at the Tourist Lodge in Dimapur on February 29. It marked the first such event in Nagaland and aimed to initiate discussions on social acceptance, inclusion, and employment opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. The event began with opening remarks by joint director of Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bernice Dzuvichi as guest of honor. She expressed happiness at the opportunity to engage in dialogue and emphasized on the importance of understanding sexual orientation and gender identity in today’s context. She also commented on the significance of inclusivity and how it can positively impact individuals and society.
Project director BRIDGE, Prithviraj Nath, presented key trends and evidence from a perception survey involving over 900 LGBTQ+ respondents. The survey focused on spaces such as education, legal, employment, and healthcare, aimed at addressing realistic situations faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It resulted in chalking out durational proposals in order to offer mitigation and solution for the issues raised.
A panel discussion on “What are we doing for inclusion in our spaces?” was moderated by coordinator, BRIDGE Mahua Seth. Panellists included Dr. Hotoka Chishi from Civil Hospital, Dimapur; Anna Hairang Thou, social activist; Imti Jamir, media coordinator at Ao Youth Organisation: and Dr. Imti Aier, Hepatitis in-charge at Civil Hospital, Dimapur.
The GB of Murgipatti, Dimapur, Niba Kesiezie, and Imliben Lemtur, an entrepreneur, also participated. Anna emphasized on the importance of self-acceptance and engagement with the community. Dr. Chishi spoke about the need for hospitals to create an accepting environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Aier discussed the hurdles as a service provider and highlighted the community’s sensitivity to their needs. He emphasized on tolerance and suggested that humanity, in his context, is about tolerance and understanding. Imti Jamir discussed changing perceptions at the family level, and Imliben Lemtur spoke about creating inclusive spaces in entrepreneurship. The panellists also discussed the challenges they faced when starting their work with the LGBTQ+ community.
GB, Kesiezie when questioned on how to make it inclusive when tribal sentiment is prominently high in the state, opined that the rural areas seem to lack more awareness. An issue previously considered a taboo, says more advocacy and discussions if held, believed that it will come to be accepted. He also said acceptance should not be a hindrance.
A question-and-answer session focused on community, religion, and socio-economic aspects concluded the event. Director of Prodigals Home, Dimapur, K. Ela gave the vote of thanks where session was chaired by Prithviraj Nath which also aired three short movies of those from the community concerned.