Midpu,Jun 10: In observance of Pride Month 2025, the State Mental Hospital here in collaboration with AP QueerStation, on Tuesday conducted a sensitisation session aimed at fostering inclusive and respectful attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community.
The event, held at the hospital’s conference hall, saw participation from doctors, counsellors, mental-health professionals, nursing officers and support staff.
Senior Psychiatrist Dr Haniya Payee debunked the misconception that LGBTQIA+ identities constitute mental illness. He denounced discredited practices such as electroconvulsive therapy and called for their immediate cessation. He further stressed the need to normalise LGBTQIA+ identities and expressed hope for future collaborative programmes with the queer-rights group.
The technical session was led by Sawang Wangchha, who educated attendees on core concepts of gender and sexual diversity. He explained the distinctions between sex and gender, dispelled common myths, and highlighted the impact of rigid societal norms on queer and trans individuals.
Stressing the importance of intersectionality, Wangchha said that patriarchal structures harm not just cisgender persons, but also those belonging to gender and sexual minorities.
Wangchha also shared personal narratives from tribal LGBTQIA+ individuals who left Arunachal Pradesh in search of safer environments and economic opportunities.
Mary Siram, a health professional and AP QueerStation core member, focused on the healthcare needs of transgender individuals, especially access to hormonal therapy and supportive medical infrastructure.
The session concluded with closing remarks from Dr Hatobin Mai, ANO (MHP) and in-charge of the Tele-Manas Cell.
He expressed gratitude to AP QueerStation for the collaboration, reiterated support for queer-trans rights including marriage equality, and reminded participants that individuals in need of mental health assistance can contact the Tele-Manas helpline at 14416.
