*India's first radio station for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) community was launched in the City on Wednesday to give the sexual minorities a platform to voice their opinion.*
The commercial radio station is run by members from the LGBTQIA community and their well-wishers. The station aims at addressing the issues faced by the sexual minorities. Talk shows and other programmes hosted on the radio will focus on bridging the gap between the community members and their immediate family members and friends.
Romal Singh, who gave up his media job to work for the community, said: "There is definitely a sense of empowerment. Within just five minutes of the launch of the station, we received the first call from Amritsar," said the radio jockey. "We are expecting more people to call us and share their stories in the days to come."
Qradio, available online worldwide, is meant for the LGBTQIA community and their families in the country. On demand, the content allows exchange of ideas through discussions, live shows and guest talks. "The LGBT community needs media representation and a common ground to gather their thoughts and spread them from one place," said Anil Srivatsa, the co-founder of the radio station. "I think it is a revolution of sorts and I am extremely happy about it," said Akkaima from the community. She said there was a need to understand the self-esteem and dignity of people who belong to the sexual minorities.
Speaking about her experience, Akkaima said that initially she had to undergo a lot of mental trauma as neither her family nor neighbours were ready to accept her sexual orientation. "I realised that there might be many more like me and that is the reason I decided to fight for the welfare of the sexual minorities who are unable to get that unconditional acceptance," she added.
Akkaima, who is now an activist, said people would earlier hesitate to come out in the open, but now things have changed. "We understand that most people of this community do not discuss any issue or their feelings with the media or their parents. Yet, they are open to the people of the community," she said. The process, she added, might be slow, but they would certainly achieve a lot. Reported by Deccan Herald 4 hours ago.
The commercial radio station is run by members from the LGBTQIA community and their well-wishers. The station aims at addressing the issues faced by the sexual minorities. Talk shows and other programmes hosted on the radio will focus on bridging the gap between the community members and their immediate family members and friends.
Romal Singh, who gave up his media job to work for the community, said: "There is definitely a sense of empowerment. Within just five minutes of the launch of the station, we received the first call from Amritsar," said the radio jockey. "We are expecting more people to call us and share their stories in the days to come."
Qradio, available online worldwide, is meant for the LGBTQIA community and their families in the country. On demand, the content allows exchange of ideas through discussions, live shows and guest talks. "The LGBT community needs media representation and a common ground to gather their thoughts and spread them from one place," said Anil Srivatsa, the co-founder of the radio station. "I think it is a revolution of sorts and I am extremely happy about it," said Akkaima from the community. She said there was a need to understand the self-esteem and dignity of people who belong to the sexual minorities.
Speaking about her experience, Akkaima said that initially she had to undergo a lot of mental trauma as neither her family nor neighbours were ready to accept her sexual orientation. "I realised that there might be many more like me and that is the reason I decided to fight for the welfare of the sexual minorities who are unable to get that unconditional acceptance," she added.
Akkaima, who is now an activist, said people would earlier hesitate to come out in the open, but now things have changed. "We understand that most people of this community do not discuss any issue or their feelings with the media or their parents. Yet, they are open to the people of the community," she said. The process, she added, might be slow, but they would certainly achieve a lot. Reported by Deccan Herald 4 hours ago.