To be held on March 11, film-maker Chitra Palekar will be the chief guest.
The conservative middle-class world of the Aptes literally came crumbling down when their only son confessed about his homosexuality. It took a long time for the parents to come to terms with it.
It is to address these issues and concerns of such parents that for the first time in Pune, city-based Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) support group, Prayatna, would be organising a parents’ meet on March 11.
Film-maker Chitra Palekar, who is supporting the cause for years through her organisation PLAG (Parents and families of lesbians and gays), will be the chief guest.
Onky, the founder of Prayatna said, “For the first time, such a meet will be taking place in Pune. In Mumbai, the support group, Gay Mumbai, has been organising parents’ meet for many years.
Taking inspiration from them, I decided to start it in Pune as well.
The relationship of parents with their kid is the most important relationship of all. Hence, it is important to know their outlook towards their LGBT kids. Since most of the parents are straight, they will share and discuss the issues they are facing. And we are open to suggestions and even criticism from our parents.”
Onky informs that the function will be an informal one. “We want the parents to be comfortable. While the venue is not yet decided, we are planning to organise it either at Child guidance centre at Sahyadri Hospital or at Open Space.”
Harish Iyer, a creative professional will be participating in the meet with his mother. “I am going to share my example and my mom is going to share her experiences and the problems she faced while accepting my sexuality. It’s very important for the family to come out and support.”
Padma Iyer, Harish’s mother, feels that there should be more such meets should be held where the parents of LGBT children can come together and discuss the issues.
“It is a great idea to organise such a meet and I am all for it. When you participate in these meets, you don’t feel alienated and find a solace in the fact that you are not the only one who has a LGBT child.”
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