ASQ is a peer-to-peer support group for LBT persons only. ASQ is a safe space for you if you are: (1) queer, and (2) not a cis man. ASQ is a non-registered support group, operating mainly on the internet and word of mouth. Currently, we operate as a support group; we have two monthly support group meetings at someone’s house, coffee shops, parks or any spaces that are willing to host us for free or at a nominal cost. During Covid-19 pandemic, we have the meetings online.

10 years ago, there were 10-15 women, meeting at Swabhava, wondering what the next chapter was going to be. One voice suggested we start a support group - most countries had them, and we should have one too! We had no idea what we were doing! We learnt so much and kept all those memories and lessons close to us when we started ASQ. And since then we have come a long way; ASQ is a family, and we will forever strive to be that. ASQ is about 5 years old and we have been active on a private/secret group on Facebook and an email group. We also knew that including trans* and non-binary folks is important to us and to the queer/feminist movement as a whole.

2016

LBT+ persons (NOT cis-men)

Peer support and community outreach locally

We partner with many mental health professionals and are always open to pursuing an inclusive method to resolve issues or to suggest methods to any members.

The group is not equipped to support conversations on self harm, suicide, long term mental health plan, legal services, and funding. But we can connect members to respective professionals who can support them for their needs.

We believe in our members to uphold the sanctity of a group such as ASQ. Each member can add another queer person to ASQ (now a secret Facebook group) and the only ask we have is that you should have met them in person and that they are queer, not cis-gendered man. ASQ does not screen members basis race, religion, location, queerness etc.; but our one safety measure is that an ASQ member is a REAL person. This is to avoid cat fishing, impersonation, people who intend to bring malice to the group etc. And mostly, bring in a sense of reality to this virtual world that the group is present in. We do not even need a specific label like lesbian or bisexual, you say you are queer, that’s all! Write to us if you are new to the group, we will arrange a volunteer to assist you.

Introductions, Discuss the topic chosen, close session.

1. We use gender inclusive pronouns like folks and people, no words like ‘guys’ or ’ladies’
2. While disagreements may happen, we expect members to be respectful while resolving
3. Do not out members outside of ASQ. If you meet someone in a non-queer setting, please do not specify how you know them, you may say ‘we met through common friends’ rather than ‘met at a queer event’
4. Photos shared and clicked only after everyone provides permission
5. If you ever feel uncomfortable at an ASQ event, please feel free to privately talk/message one of the volunteers so that we can help you out
6. Overall, please treat the group like it is yours, and maintain its values when you interact on the group and outside the group as well.

Sense of community and hope in the future; mostly we want members to feel like it is their space where they can be free of fear, judgement and worry.