Morung Express News Dimapur | November 3 A community event-cum-sensitization initiative for an inclusive society was organised by Nagaland-based Guardian Angel on November 3 at Hotel Acacia. An annual event, the theme this time was ‘Inclusion to mainstream’ was organised by Guardian Angel focusing on the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community of the state. Guardian Angel is an NGO established in 1991 with its area of focus on HIV prevention, care and rights. Project Director Inatoli Chophy at the event said that it marks the debut for enabling the LGBT community to come to the mainstream. After the decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code by the Supreme Court of India on September 6, Chophy felt it was the right time for the community to step out and be included as a part of the society. Combating stigma, creating a conducive and enabling environment, mobilizing and protecting the rights of the community were the objectives of the event. It also featured a talent pageant by the LGBT community, while, one of the contestants shared his story of struggling with his identity. The contestant (name withheld), recounted how as a 7 year old, he was sexually abused by a “seemingly good friend.” Helpless, confused and no one to turn to, the incident left him psychologically scarred. Feeling alienated he began to withdraw from the world. But hope dawned on him, in the form of a friend, who encouraged him to find solace in church. Using his newfound hope, he worked as a missionary. However, the confusion and uncertainty over his identity still disturbed him. Stating that the apprehension of antagonism from the society haunted him, he said that he unsuccessfully attempted suicide several times and even relocating to Darjeeling. Returning to Dimapur, he got acquainted with the Guardian Angel Community, a connection, he said, was the beginning of realization that he was not alone. While expressing hope that the society would accept them for who they are, he said, “Let us breathe too. We are not different. We are all the same.” “Coming out of their shell” were the words of Dr. Vinito Chishi of the Legislators’ Forum on Aids (LFA). He encouraged the community to exercise their rights without fear, while leading a quality life by taking responsibility of one’s life. “We should know our responsibilities and our rights. We should remove stigma by ourselves.” With 60 legislators in the forum, Dr. Chishi said that the LFA as advocates of people affected by HIV & AIDS, envisions a peoples’ movement to establish an enabling environment and having collective ownership of the issue. He encouraged accessing treatment and care made available by the government. He further apprised the gathering to make a conscious effort to know the will of God, to be able to come to Church and do great things for God. “At the end, God is the ultimate judge of all things,” he said. The event was endorsed by the LFA, Family Health International and well wishers.
