This June, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a "Rainbow Rishtaz" session hosted by the inspiring Parmesh Shahani. The session was deeply enriching and focused on the emotional well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. Featuring mental health experts Dr Shruti Chakravarty and Pooja Nair, the discussion delved into the unique challenges and strengths of queer relationships.

Dr. Shruti Charkravarty is a cisgender woman and chief advisor at Mariwala Health Initiative. Pooja Nair, also a cis woman, is a visiting faculty member at Krea University. Both brought profound expertise to the table. They emphasised the importance of setting boundaries, especially when both partners are therapists. This resonated with me, highlighting the delicate balance required in such relationships.

One particularly poignant moment of the session was when they discussed managing relationships when one partner in a cis-het (cis gendered and heterosexual) relationship comes out. Both experts highlighted the need for empathy, open communication, and negotiated values. It made me reflect on the importance of these elements in all relationships, but especially in the context of coming out and the transitions that follow.

The experts stressed the significance of celebrating queer relationships, despite societal discrimination. They also discussed the necessity of intentional support systems for queer parenting, a topic that is often overlooked. Hearing their perspectives made me appreciate the resilience required to navigate these complexities.

Another impactful part of the session was the discussion on handling social pressures, balancing empathy with self-care, and the complexities of queer breakups. The emphasis on community support and chosen family formation was a powerful reminder of the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive and understanding people.

Ultimately, the session underscored the resilience and authenticity of queer relationships. It encouraged continuous celebration and intentional effort in navigating their unique challenges. I left the session feeling inspired and more equipped to support my queer friends and loved ones, appreciating their strength and the beauty of their relationships.

Text by Sagar Mate and image provided by the Godrej Chemicals team. Sagar is the head of the Godrej Chemicals factory in Ambernath.