Mumbai Seenagers, a social support group for older gay men, has been set up in Mumbai to help tackle the issue of loneliness among the community members.
Around 40 individuals have so far registered to attend a social meeting this week for elder gay men living in Mumbai.
‘Mumbai Seenagers’ is an initiative launched by Dr Prasad Dhandekar and LGBTQ activist Ashok Row Kavi which hopes to address some of the issues faced by the older gay community of the city, specifically emotional loneliness.
The initiative will offer members of the minority group a safe and welcoming space where they can connect with others alike in a social setting.
“Our aim is to create awareness and more importantly, a safe environment, especially for those who cannot meet, go for picnics, educate themselves,” said Ashok Row Kavi,one of the co-founders to Hindustan Times.
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As homosexuality remains a topic that can not be discussed freely, the organisers behind the initiative see it as an opportunity whereby open discussions can be held without fear of judgement or repercussions. It will be a chance to share experiences and educate others on the lesser-explored problems faced by sections of the Indian community. As such, details about the meetings will remain private and only shared with registered members in order to protect those attending.
Psychiatrists have found loneliness to be one of the major struggles facing members of the LGBTQ community, and that specifically plagues the older generation.
“This is a brilliant initiative for elderly gay men to connect with each other and begin conversations they cannot have with other people,” a Dr. Harish Shetty added.
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