Queer Over Here: A support group that aims to build a supportive, non-judgemental space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express their concerns. | TheMindClan

Queer Over Here

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  • Fees Type: Paid
  • City: Bengaluru
  • Facilitated By: Mental Health Professionals
  • Languages: English
  • Meets: Every 15 Days.
  • Participant Limit: 15
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  • What Is Queer Over Here About?

    The support group aims to:

    • To build a supportive, non-judgemental space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express their concerns.

    • To explore the intersections of LGBTQIA+ identities, and strengthen the lived experience of such individuals.

    • To build skills and perspectives to cope with mental health concerns that arise from being LGBTQIA+ in India.

  • What is your founding story?
    The alternative story was founded by Paras Sharma and Rashi Vidyasagar to make quality mental health care accessible and affordable. The LGBTQIA+ community has faced discrimination and marginalization for decades in India. Queer and trans individuals have been ‘othered’ in many parts of society. Therefore, developing a sense of community among LGBTQIA+ individuals is really helpful. We wanted to create a space to foster a sense of community and belongingness.
  • Who are the facilitators behind Queer Over Here?

    Deeksha holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Sampurna Institute of Advanced Studies. Her experience includes working with young adults and adults in both online and offline modalities on addiction, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties. She identifies as queer, and is eager to work with queer and trans clients.

    She is passionate about research, and continues to work on issues surrounding the queer community and indigenous practices. Her approach to therapy follows postmodern feminist, existential and narrative avenues. Deeksha is passionate about art and poetry, and absolutely loves animals.



    Notes: The above information may change from time to time, and is shared with you to understand the background of where the support group comes from.
  • When was your support group founded? How has the journey been since then?
    The support group was founded in September 2020. We planned to started earlier but the pandemic halted the process by a bit. By September 2020, we also saw an increase in the need for support groups and started the initiative. The journey with Queer Over Here has been incredibly rewarding. We started with very few participants and over time we have established a safe and warm community space for participants to come to, to discuss and share
  • Who is your support group for?
    This support group is for LGBTQIA+ individuals above the age of 18 years
  • Explain your group's approach towards helping a person's mental health care.
    Marginalization can very often create a sense of isolation. It can be difficult for people to feel connected to people around because of the unique challenges that come up due to the marginalization. We believe in the strength that arises out of connectedness as a result of having a community that has shared experiences. The group is also facilitated by queer mental health professionals in order to create a safe space
  • What is your group's approach towards professional mental health care interventions?
    We have a team of mental health professionals and a referral list from which we pass referrals. If there is anyone in the group who might need individual mental health care then we can refer a trusted professional
  • What conversations is your support group not equipped to support?
    Our group is run by queer mental health professionals and hence is equipped to manage a range of conversations. However, a group is a space for both sharing ones experiences and listening to each other. We might not be able to have in depth individual conversations during the support group
  • How does one sign up? What’s the coordination process like?
    The participants have to fill a registration form which is available on our website and social media platforms. In case the form is not accessible on these platforms one can reach out to us via email. Reach Out
  • Walk us through the average format of your group session.
    The group starts with a check in about how everyone is feeling right now. Some sessions have a pre decided theme or topic that guides the conversation (for eg: relationships, coming out, community and belongingness). Some sessions are open sessions wherein the conversations are flexible and can be based on whatever the participants bring up
  • What are your home rules/values?
    Some home rules in the group are that everyone is free to speak if and when they feel comfortable to speak. We all can speak one person at a time and share the space to both hear and share one’s experiences
  • What do you hope for participants in your group to take back with them after a session?
    We hope that participants take back a sense of community and belongingness through the group. We also hope that we can provide perspectives and coping strategies for participants to take back.

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