MISSION
ABOUT THE ORG
Formed in 1999 as a small emotional support group for LBT individuals, Sappho initiated the formation of Sappho for Equality (SFE), a registered organisation in 2003 in Kolkata. SFE works to strengthen, amplify and visibilise the voices of lesbian, bisexual and transmsculine individuals through interventions focused on economic justice, access to law and entitlements, reduction in violence and foreground their lived realities in society.
Moments
of Pride
A reflection of the impact of Sappho for Equality's work in West Bengal
Entrepreneurs were brought together at an organised queer and trans-led flea market called Rongdhonu Mela
Individuals attended the event, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community and persons with disabilities.
Audience members visited Bioscopia - Kolkata Queer & Trans Film Festival, which screened 18 films on multiple themes across intersections of caste, class, gender, and religion, igniting conversations on visibility and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Books translated to reflect the changes in laws and the evolving understanding of gender and sexuality; Transbarta and Lingo Jounata.
TESTIMONIAL
"Kiran, a single mother in a queer relationship, was struggling to establish her kitchen for home delivery purposes. Economic struggles left her with hopelessness, and she approached us for assistance. We involved her in our livelihood training focused on developing a small-scale business. Within a month, she identified her strength and invested in it. In Rongdhonu Mela, she opened her stall and named it Joy Gopal Thekua with thekua - a sweet delicacy made from flour, jaggery and ghee (clarified butter) predominantly consumed in Bihar. Rongdhonu Mela gave her a platform and visibility, where she received more orders from several clients. She had an overwhelming response from the visitors.
On the second day, she joined with more goods that she cooked all night with the help of her partner. They are now gradually finding a stable ground after being abandoned by their natal families. The mela ground also brought her closer to the larger community when stable with the business and planning to expand it with more such edibles."
