Sylvester Merchant at Lakshya Trust continues to struggle for acceptance for homosexuals like him in the hearts and minds of people.
The quiet corner, the isolated building and the climb up the creaky stairs could never lead one to guess that the office on the first floor housed a chirpy group of people devoted to a cause that raises eyebrows at best and draws violent abuse at worst. In Vadodara (Gujarat), the ‘queer’ group at Lakshya Trust serves as a benefactor for homosexuals who have been rejected by the society.
The foundation of Lakshya starts with the story of a young boy, Sylvester Merchant, who at a very young age of 20, courageously stood for his identity. “I always kept myself abreast of what was happening in the world, which is how I knew that this world also has homosexuals. It also helped me identify myself as one,” explained Sylvester who dedicated himself to Lakshya along with a few kindred souls.
Sylvester’s personality catches one’s attention for not only the obvious, but also for his knowledge and confidence. When questioned about his struggles, Sylvester held forth willingly, “The first thing I learnt when I realised I was gay was not to get into the trap of self-pity. I started reading a lot about homosexuals, socialised with them, and began interacting with the media. I think one of the reasons I did not invite comments about my sexuality was because I was very comfortable and confident about what I was.” Having counselled many gays, lesbians, and their parents to accept their children as they are, Sylvester laments the fact that he could not convince his own mother to accept his identity. “She’s still not comfortable with the fact that I’m gay. I’m dealing with the situation… managing it… it will happen,” he said with a calm smile.
Sylvester’s association with Lakshya Trust, established in 2000 for the benefit of the LGBT community, was like a dream come true. Harbouring dreams of becoming an activist and establishing a legal and respectful status for homosexuals, Sylvester found the perfect platform in Lakshya. “I can never thank Prince Manvendra (Gay Prince of Rajpipla) enough for roping me in this association, which was his initiative,” he said. A close knit group of about 15-20 people – none heterosexual – this organisation works towards building awareness in the society and provide support to victims of abuse and disease. “There was a time when we faced a lot of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but as people have become more aware, I’ve noticed a tremendous dip. One of our major focuses is on condom distribution campaigns where our people from different centres in Gujarat and other parts of India go to various areas within their city to distribute condoms. When gays or lesbians do this and talk to other homosexuals, i
t makes them accept the practice of safe sex more easily. The other issue that I’ve noticed is fear of discrimination. It badly scars homosexuals. And the only solution to this is education. I’d say that the Gay Pride Parade in 2008, and repealing Section 377 did make a difference,” he points out.
Our conversation was interrupted by an employee who strode into the room and gushed about her impending operation. I was introduced to Geeta by Sylvester, whose sex change operation (from male to female) was long due and she had just got a go-ahead from the doctors. After a breathless explanation of the process that was detailed by the doctor, Geeta almost flew out to share the news with the others in the organisation. “At Lakshya, we also provide funds to those like her,” said Sylvester.
Sylvester’s life wasn’t an easy ride and he intrepidly admits that it isn’t going to be so in the future either. What drives him is the desire to make the world a happy place; for homosexuals too. He talks of cases when his employees were harassed by the cops during their awareness campaigns and of situations where young gay boys were disowned by their families. “Imagine how traumatic such incidents can be at that age,” sighed Sylvester. Relentlessly working towards his ‘Lakshya’, Sylvester and his ilk bring hope to homosexuals of the world.
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The quiet corner, the isolated building and the climb up the creaky stairs could never lead one to guess that the office on the first floor housed a chirpy group of people devoted to a cause that raises eyebrows at best and draws violent abuse at worst. In Vadodara (Gujarat), the ‘queer’ group at Lakshya Trust serves as a benefactor for homosexuals who have been rejected by the society.
The foundation of Lakshya starts with the story of a young boy, Sylvester Merchant, who at a very young age of 20, courageously stood for his identity. “I always kept myself abreast of what was happening in the world, which is how I knew that this world also has homosexuals. It also helped me identify myself as one,” explained Sylvester who dedicated himself to Lakshya along with a few kindred souls.
Sylvester’s personality catches one’s attention for not only the obvious, but also for his knowledge and confidence. When questioned about his struggles, Sylvester held forth willingly, “The first thing I learnt when I realised I was gay was not to get into the trap of self-pity. I started reading a lot about homosexuals, socialised with them, and began interacting with the media. I think one of the reasons I did not invite comments about my sexuality was because I was very comfortable and confident about what I was.” Having counselled many gays, lesbians, and their parents to accept their children as they are, Sylvester laments the fact that he could not convince his own mother to accept his identity. “She’s still not comfortable with the fact that I’m gay. I’m dealing with the situation… managing it… it will happen,” he said with a calm smile.
Sylvester’s association with Lakshya Trust, established in 2000 for the benefit of the LGBT community, was like a dream come true. Harbouring dreams of becoming an activist and establishing a legal and respectful status for homosexuals, Sylvester found the perfect platform in Lakshya. “I can never thank Prince Manvendra (Gay Prince of Rajpipla) enough for roping me in this association, which was his initiative,” he said. A close knit group of about 15-20 people – none heterosexual – this organisation works towards building awareness in the society and provide support to victims of abuse and disease. “There was a time when we faced a lot of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but as people have become more aware, I’ve noticed a tremendous dip. One of our major focuses is on condom distribution campaigns where our people from different centres in Gujarat and other parts of India go to various areas within their city to distribute condoms. When gays or lesbians do this and talk to other homosexuals, i
t makes them accept the practice of safe sex more easily. The other issue that I’ve noticed is fear of discrimination. It badly scars homosexuals. And the only solution to this is education. I’d say that the Gay Pride Parade in 2008, and repealing Section 377 did make a difference,” he points out.
Our conversation was interrupted by an employee who strode into the room and gushed about her impending operation. I was introduced to Geeta by Sylvester, whose sex change operation (from male to female) was long due and she had just got a go-ahead from the doctors. After a breathless explanation of the process that was detailed by the doctor, Geeta almost flew out to share the news with the others in the organisation. “At Lakshya, we also provide funds to those like her,” said Sylvester.
Sylvester’s life wasn’t an easy ride and he intrepidly admits that it isn’t going to be so in the future either. What drives him is the desire to make the world a happy place; for homosexuals too. He talks of cases when his employees were harassed by the cops during their awareness campaigns and of situations where young gay boys were disowned by their families. “Imagine how traumatic such incidents can be at that age,” sighed Sylvester. Relentlessly working towards his ‘Lakshya’, Sylvester and his ilk bring hope to homosexuals of the world.
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri on Internet Hooliganism
ABN AMRO seeks India bank licence
IIPM announces Anna Hazare Fellowship
GIDF Club of IIPM Lucknow Organizes Blood Donation Camp
Watching porn video is not a crime
Why your wife or girlfriend seems "off sex" of late?
A Healthcare Issue: Private hospitals' efficiency questioned
Domestic violence has been a silent relationship killer since time immemorial.
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
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