Get to know All Sorts of Queer (LBT Support Group).

Basic Information

• Fees Type: Free
• City: Bengaluru
• Facilitated By: Peers & Facilitators
• Languages: English
• Meets: Last Saturday and Second Wednesday
• Participant Limit: 10
• Notes: We have people from various backgrounds if there is a need to speak in any local language to new members.
• LGBTQIA Support

What is the group about?

"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 …"

What is your founding story?

"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 …"

Who is your group for?

"LBT+ persons (NOT cis-men)"

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

"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, …"

Walk us through the average format of your group session.

"Introductions, Discuss the topic chosen, close session."

What do you hope for participants in your group to take back with them after a session?

"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."