The word LGBTQA+ has been evolving, spreading, and being accepted by many. But still, a long way to go before the community is included in society. However, the awareness drive and the events concentrated on the community have helped make people understand the issue.
On 26th June 2022, Korok, organized by Troyee Foundation, was successfully held at Credo Fashion Café in Kolkata. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare of the Government of West Bengal, Dr Sashi Panja. Eminent personalities like – Keya Das (Councillor), Dr. Arijit Neogi, Indroneel Mukherjee, Avik Chowdhury, Mallar Ghosh, Mallika Ghosh, Mimi Das, Ranajit Dey, Pamita Sadhukhan, and Poulomi Chowdhury will be present in the event.
Also Read: Korok takes pride in the ‘Pride Month’
Korok, the event on the LGBTQA+ community, has played a vital role in eliciting awareness of the issue. The organizer of Korok, Troyee foundation, has been instrumental in uplifting the community. Shree Ghatak, the founder of the foundation and the first trans woman to have created an identity of her own in Bollywood, says, “The problem is not just one but many and ironically one leads to the other. Every person in the community must come forward and get financially independent. It is vital to create a healthy society. Today in this event diverse personalities are present – be it politician, businessman, celebrity or other influential people and this is a great achievement for the foundation.”
Pinaki Roy Chowdhury, the owner of Credo Fashion Café, says, “Credo Fashion Café is a charitable organization working for empowerment. I am glad that such events are drawing people’s attention but at the same time I oppose the use of the terminology like LGBTQA+ as a community as we all are Indians. The moment we divide ourselves into pockets like Hindu, Muslim, LGBTA+, or any other smaller divisions, they weaken us. So we all are one.”
The event was followed by a cultural program and an exhibition of jewelry made by the community. Economic independence is very crucial for the upliftment of any community.
In this regard, the owner of the café further says,
“It is my wish to create a special division for the pride community where they can be trained and sell their handmade items.”
As the month ends, it certainly does not mean the end of awareness or discussion of the issue. The work must go on with full support from all of us.
