This month, we are embracing PRIDE! Queer pride, Survivors’ pride, pride in all of its glory! Pride becomes an act of rebellion in a society that refuses to acknowledge our pain with empathy. PRIDE – for unbecoming the version of us that was palatable to this power-hungry world. PRIDE – for confronting our generational traumas and boldly declaring “the cycle must end with me.” PRIDE – for reclaiming our desire as something divine, holy, sacred, raw, visceral, instinctive, playful, joyous and wonderful! PRIDE – for choosing to love, to trust, to create – even in the face of pointlessness, even as the world so adamantly and shamelessly destroys anything soft and tender. PRIDE – for becoming the adult versions that we needed as kids to save us.

1. What is ASHA Against CSA (Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Support Group) about?

ASHA Meet-ups is a peer-support sanctuary for the adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) and their allies. This space is created by survivors, for the survivors.

We host monthly meet-ups and explore different themes, patterns, coping mechanisms and life-strategies that we have adopted as the adult survivors of CSA. Through our meet-ups, we are lifting up the veil of stigma and shame, creating a growing community of survivors and allies.

2. How does one sign up? What’s the coordination process like?

We meet every month on a Sunday. The updates regarding the upcoming meet-up are available on our social media profiles, e-mails to the participants who have filled the meet-up registration forms, and WhatsApp updates, should a participant opt for it.

There is a Google form link for the participants to register. We communicate further details via e-mail, Insta DMs, WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger.