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Mint
36 minutes ago
- Mint
Why quality mental health support is still some ways away for the LGBTQIA+ community
In recent times, we've had movies like Kaathal – The Core (Malayalam) and Gulmohar (Hindi) that had prominent actors like Mammootty and Sharmila Tagore play gay and lesbian characters, respectively. The mental struggle these characters face has been portrayed adeptly too– Mathew's resistance to divorce his wife and Kusum's eagerness to let go of the home her husband built, in their own way showcase denial and defiance. In reality, however, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face difficulties when it comes to address mental health issues. Based on conversations Lounge has had with members from the community, 'accessibility" and 'sensitisation" seem to be the main problems here. 'Queerness continues to be pathologized here even by mental health practitioners. The idea that it is something that needs to be 'cured' or 'treated' is still prevalent. Can you imagine how difficult it then becomes to even take those initial steps for help when you realise that these so-called 'safe' spaces themselves can be dehumanising?" wonders Srishti Pandey, 26, who identifies herself as asexual. 'Queer people, especially outside the major metros, face glaringly hostile environments and harmful, violent and illegal attempts to 'cure' queer people. There is little safety available in mental healthcare institutes, and often, it is quasi-religious places that offer anything close to care and they can be very hurtful places," says Bengaluru-based counsellor Mahesh Natarajan who identifies as gay. Pandey, who has tried therapy and found it helpful, shares that while her family and friends have been supportive, she has received biased reactions from others. Currently residing in England, she also reveals that life as an asexual has been relatively easier for her in the UK. 'Everyone faces challenges, it is just that the intensity with which members from the community face them is more, and the resources available for us are less," notes Aryan Somaiya, a Goa-based psychotherapist who identifies as a transman. As 34-year-old scientist Soham (last name withheld upon request) from Bengaluru points out, therapy can be expensive and out of reach for several people in the queer community. Listing out the issues the LGBTQ+ community faces while seeking therapy, he says, 'There are many people who prefer online consultations because going in person would mean taking time off work. Then there's the question of whether the therapist you are seeing has knowledge about the queer community, knows people who belong to the community, and is sensitised to the issues faced by queer people." But that's not all. In a society where being comfortable in your skin is still a struggle for many, those belonging to the queer community have it doubly hard. 'I know of quite a few people, myself included, who tend to, at times, lead double lives," says Edwin Daniel, a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur who is gay. 'I have been lucky, because most of my colleagues and co-workers are comfortable with my identity. But, when there's a business meeting or I am meeting someone new for work-related purposes, I tend to do 'straight acting' or regulate the way I behave to meet heteronormative roles. But, for a lot of my counterparts, it is one kind of life from 10-7, and another life after 7pm," he adds. HAMPERED BY THE LACK OF A STABLE SOCIAL STRUCTURE According to Daniel, one of the main problems the LGBTQ+ community in India faces is the absence of a stable social structure. 'Since same-sex marriages aren't legal in India, unlike heterosexual people, we don't have milestones like getting married and having kids. This tends to take a huge toll on our mental health," he says. Soham concurs. 'Since these milestones are absent for us, the onus of creating a structure falls on us," he says. He also resonates with Daniel when he says that it is quite difficult, yet important, to find a therapist who is queer-sensitised and understands problems of the community. Finding that therapist, as Daniel notes, is not easy. 'One goes through numerous therapists, before landing on someone who understands you and suits your needs." After seeking therapy for five years, he reveals that he's only recently found a counsellor who 'understands me, what I am going through and helps me accordingly." Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Prasenjit Chaudhari, 41, knew he was gay right from childhood but chose to hide it in a bid to belong, fit in. 'This attempt to hide your identity takes a toll on your mental health and the scars remain for a long time," he confesses. This is precisely why finding the right therapist becomes crucial, he says, but in a city where the community is small that can pose a problem. 'I came to Bengaluru in 2007 and have literally watched the community grow. I know nearly everyone in the community, and so, even if I do find a therapist who is queer, I know them on a personal level and that is something I try to avoid." As a therapist, Natarajan says that he chooses to not counsel members from the community who are closely connected to his personal life. But for those who are strictly his clients, he says, 'We protect the client's privacy and confidentiality as fully as possible. It helps for the client to know that we are part of the community and not too distant from their realities." According to Natarajan, a typical green flag when seeking a therapist from within the community is to check if they are well regarded for their general ethical practice. It's a big no-no if they have in any way breached client confidentiality or canvassed for influence. A good way to verify a therapist's ability is to reach out to (other members from the community) who have previously sought help from the said therapist, Natarajan advises. The conversations do get louder every year during Pride Month in June but they barely scratch the surface. Issues like chem sex that can prove fatal to queer members are not explored in depth. 'While chem sex is common for everyone, it is a deeper issue for the queer community. It is not just loneliness that makes it a problem. Lack of safe resources, worries of being outed, health concerns, abandonment by family and other issues are all part of the problem," Natarajan says. There's a lot of distance to be covered for sure, but every individual Lounge spoke to clings to glimmers of hope. 'The main thing that affects mental health for the LGBTQ community is social stigma and the feeling of being 'othered'. With greater integration and community building, people will flourish," Natarajan says. 'Broadly speaking, I want therapy to be easily accessible and destigmatized. And most importantly, I want (more) resources for patients and counsellors who are catering to LGBTQ folks because our struggles are widely different," says Daniel. Sumitra Nair is an independent journalist based in Kochi.
India Today
39 minutes ago
- India Today
Homi Adajania sets the record straight as Kriti Sanon begins Cocktail 2 in Italy
Putting an end to speculations, 'Cocktail' director Homi Adajania confirmed actor Kriti Sanon as the female lead in 'Cocktail 2'. The director surprised fans with a "work in progress" photo on social media. He further shared that the shooting would soon start in his Instagram story on Thursday, the filmmaker hid her face with a "work in progress" sticker. However, it was the hashtags - @kritisanon #Thescicilianchapter #Cocktail2," that confirmed her role in the Sanon will reportedly be joined by Rashmika Mandanna and Saif Ali Khan in the film. 'Cocktail 2' is a follow-up to the 2012 film, which starred Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. The film marked Penty's acting debut.A source close to the film's development had earlier shared with India Today, "Sanon has just wrapped 'Tere Ishk Mein', and she'll begin shooting for 'Cocktail 2' in August. It's a tight schedule, but she's managing it all with ease and complete focus. She's one of the most in-demand actors in the industry right now."It followed the story of Veronica (played by Deepika), whose best friend falls in love with her boyfriend (played by Diana and Saif, respectively).The romantic comedy film was a critical and commercial success at the time of its release. It crossed the Rs 100 crore mark worldwide and was considered one of the highest-grossing films of 2012. Along with this, the film also received four nominations at the 58th Filmfare Awards, including Best Actress and Best Female other upcoming project is 'Tere Ishk Mein', in which she will star opposite Dhanush. Directed by Aanand L Rai, the film is expected to release in theatres by are also rife that she will play the female lead in 'Don 3' alongside Ranveer Singh after Kiara Advani's exit.- EndsMust Watch
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Sandhu dominates round three with a phenomenal 62, extends lead to three shots
Agency: PTI Mysuru, Aug 14 (PTI) Yuvraj Sandhu dominated the proceedings on day three with a phenomenal eight-under 62 to extend his lead to three shots at the Mysuru Open, a PGTI event. A confident-looking Sandhu, the leader from round one onwards, moved his total to an imposing 22-under 188. The Chandigarh-based Sandhu (61-65-62), the current PGTI Order of Merit leader, is now staring at his third PGTI title of the season. Jamal Hossain (62-65-64) of Bangladesh posted a 64 despite missing some crucial putts to continue in second place for the third straight day as his total read 19-under 191. Delhi golfer Arjun Prasad also carded a 64 to move into sole third place at a total of 18-under 192 on another overcast day. Chandigarh's Karandeep Kochhar matched Sandhu's first round tournament low of 61 to zoom 11 spots to tied fourth place at 17-under 193. Kochhar's round featured an eagle and seven birdies. Italy's Michele Ortolani (63), who fired two eagles on Thursday, also closed the day in joint fourth position. P Prabhu and Dhruv Bopanna, the two Mysuru-based professionals who made the cut, were placed tied 47th at six-under 204. Yuvraj Sandhu began the day by dropping his first bogey of the week on the second. However, Yuvraj came roaring back with two birdies and two eagles on the front-nine. Sandhu landed his tee shot within two feet of the pin on the Par-4 seventh to pick up his first eagle while for his next eagle on the Par-5 ninth Yuvraj landed his approach within three feet of the flag. The 28-year-old Sandhu, an international winner, then produced five consecutive birdies from the 10th through the 14th thanks to all aspects of his game coming together. At that stage Sandhu enjoyed a commanding five-shot lead. However, he had a horrid last four holes where he made three bogeys in exchange for a birdie that reduced his lead. 'I was playing in a different mental zone today, as was evident from my scoring between the seventh and the 14th. I was really enjoying myself out there. It's the kind of zone that golfers often strive to get into," Sandhu said. 'My calm and relaxed demeanor and confidence on the course is a direct reflection of the grind that I put myself through during the off-season by pushing myself to the limit. I feel that it shows in my confidence when I turn up to play a tournament." PTI KHS KHS AT AT view comments First Published: August 14, 2025, 19:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
