"Actively Educate Yourself "- Shruti Chakravarty

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1. Tell us about yourself and your journey. 

I started to realize that I am not heterosexual in my teens but didn't know what it meant until my early twenties. I was lucky enough to meet queer people in Bombay. That's when I came to know that I am absolutely normal, LGBT people exist.  The queer community exists, from then it has been a smooth journey. My family has been supportive throughout. 

Apart from that, I am a mental health practitioner. I am also a chief advisor at Mariwala Health Initiative. So yes, gender equality, mental health, human rights are areas of interest.


2. What are the major roadblocks people from the minority (LGBT) community face and what are possible solutions as per you? 

1. Self Acceptance

From living in a social system in a society that has a negative attitude towards any sexuality other than heterosexual, the roadblock is the social stigma that people put on queer and trans people. We grow up believing that this is wrong or abnormal. 

2. Social Stigma 

Usually when we are comfortable with people but it becomes difficult to make people outside the queer community to understand about us. The notions and assumptions hinder the simple humans we are and invite discrimination from society. Queer people are assumed as heterosexual. This coming out an issue is never something heterosexuals face and this invites negative reactions. 

3. Discrimination 

The overt and violent behavior from society such as forced marriage, loss of jobs, opportunity to study in schools, etc. forces gays and trans community to live life in an undignified way. 


3. If someone is being ostracized from society for their sexual orientation, what can they do about it?

The heterosexuals must open up their minds. All sexuality, gender are normal. The people in queer community do not have a problem in accepting and being ok with each other. There has to be an attitude of respect, open-mindedness, and acceptance. 

The backlash has always come from straight people. The solution lies with them. The social system 's negative attitude must change. They need to educate themselves on the matter and only then the roadblocks will go away. 


5. How can the ones who care about these causes start their journey or contribute in their own ways?

Start with yourself. I emphasis on this again as I have done on multiple platforms before, start with identifying your own discomfort regarding community, queer, trans people. Owing to the conditioning of our minds, the first emotional reaction is usually negative and it is normal. 

Because you care, something needs to be done about it.

• First, understand why you are uncomfortable and you need to work on your own biases, misconception, misinformation, the stereotype that you might have regarding LGBT and queer folks

• Actively educate yourself. There is more than enough information now on social media. People are openly talking about it. Go follow, read, learn, accept. 

• Stand up for queer people. Even if behind their backs. It is somebody's dignity, life, right, and respect. Keeping quiet over derogatory remarks is not acceptable to any human being. It is not ok to stand silent over such acts.

• Meet with queer people. Join queer events and pride march. The more you meet them more you will feel comfortable about them.  

6. Which is your favorite book and why?

I do not have a favorite book. 


- Shruti Chakravarty, Human Rights Activist

- Interviewed by Shilpy Sharan