The Importance of Being Seen…

Group of people hugging each other. No faces. Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Open Minds Group Jul 2021 - The Importance of Being Seen…

This month we decided to keep things easy and give people time to get to know each other. It was a lovely group to facilitate and the feedback was very positive.

Since starting the Open Minds Project with Taraki and Sarbat Sikhs we have been surprised at how powerful being in a space with other Punjabi LGBTQ+ people can be.

Being seen by other people who don’t judge us for our sexualities or gender sounds like a simple thing but for those of us who are starved of this kind of experience, it can feel like finding water in a desert.

People are social animals and as LGBTQ+ people social situations can be scary places. We learn to be careful about who we invite into our LGBTQ+ world because there’s always the potential of a negative reaction that can be psychologically or physically dangerous. This is why it is important to look for spaces where your LGBTQ+ identity is not an issue or even better, places where it is celebrated.

This month’s group reminded us that there is a lot of work left to do to create safer spaces for Punjabi LGBTQ+ people out in the world. It also reminded us of the simple joy of sharing time with lovely people who accept us for what we are.

We will continue to provide the space for you and even if you can’t make it to the group - remember that you are part of this community and you are seen.

You are seen and we celebrate you!

We meet on the last Wednesday of each month and if you want to join us at an Open Minds Meeting, please visit the Events page on our website.

The Open Minds Project