Sahayatrika is an organization catering to lesbian/bisexual women and transgender persons of Kerala origin. The name is a Malayalam word meaning "Women fellow-travelers".

The organization mainly works on counselling, community-organizing and survival of women from gender and sexual minorities. It was started by Canadian immigrant Malayali Deepa Vasudevan.[1] The organisation also collaborates on LGBT public awareness-building programs.[2]

Sahayatrika was formed in the backdrop of rising lesbian suicide rates at a certain point in time in Kerala. Initial discussions on Sahayathrika happened in 2001. The first project, in association with a mental health organization, FIRM, was started in 2002. In 2008, Sahayatrika became an independent registered organization.


The organisation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022 by organising a grand function titled Idam, inaugurated by Minister of Higher Education and Social Justice, R. Bindu and attended by prominent personalities and activists including actress Shakeela.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "'They tied me up, sedated me': A probe into the LGBTQI conversion therapy in Kerala". The News Minute.
  2. ↑ Staff Reporter (21 September 2008). "Meet highlights woes of sexual minorities". THG Publishing PVT LTD. The Hindu. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  3. ↑ "Government, society have responsibility to bring queer community to mainstream, says Kerala minister R. Bindu". The Hindu.


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