Sumit D. Pawar

Together, we weave a world of inclusion.

At , we believe every voice matters, especially those that have too often gone unheard.

We’re inviting passionate volunteers (18+) who are committed to building a more , , and world.

If you stand for ***r and 's rights, your journey begins here.

Apply before 16 November 2025 - because inclusion starts with you.

Click on link to apply: https://forms.gle/NTZV8rxeKMDNLP268

We have come a long way from demanding rights for the transgender community to enacting laws that recognize their existence. Yet, the journey is far from over. Legal recognition means little without societal acceptance and real implementation.

Trans individuals are not outsiders; they are an integral part of our society. It’s not just about passing laws it’s about creating safe spaces, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering a world where transgender people can live with dignity, respect, and belonging.

At a time when global events threaten hard-won progress, we must stand together not just in words, but in action. Let’s move beyond visibility to true inclusion, beyond awareness to accountability, and beyond allyship to real change.

The fight isn’t over until every trans person is seen, heard, and valued. Let’s unite, advocate, and build a world where equality is not just promised, but practiced.

Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and respected!

We honor the courage and determination of those who are fighting for their rights and identity. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and loving space for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

***r 🌈

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to receive a scholarship to participate in the ASAP Academy, where I presented my paper on Amplifying Q***r Voices in India.

This convening brought together advocates, healthcare providers, and activists from across the world, with a strong presence from Asia. Through powerful discussions, we explored the pressing challenges faced by different countries in ensuring access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, safe abortion services, and fundamental health and human rights.

Hearing firsthand how geopolitical shifts are impacting individuals’ access to healthcare was both eye-opening and deeply moving. The reality is that while some progress is being made, many communities are still struggling for their basic rights.

I look forward to sharing more insights from this experience in my upcoming posts. Stay tuned!

To learn more about the incredible work of ASAP, visit: https://asap-asia-academy.org/

Feeling so grateful and uplifted by this beautiful card from my thoughtful friend APURVA PAITHANE 💌

Last week, I received this incredible gesture a card that reads, ‘Hello, wanna see who made my 2024 fabulous? Turn the page…’ And inside? A mirror! 🪞

This thoughtful and creative surprise means so much to me. It’s a heartfelt reminder that I’m doing something right, and it truly boosted my energy when I needed it most. In this fast-paced life, where we’re always chasing the next task, gestures like this remind us to pause and appreciate the people who make our journey brighter.

To my amazing friend, thank you for this reminder to cherish the presence of those who matter. Your kindness is a gift that made my day and my year!

Let’s kick off 2025 by acknowledging and celebrating the wonderful people in our lives. Let’s make this year about gratitude, love, and joy, so we can create a happier, more connected world together. 💖

Here’s to starting the year with gratitude and spreading positivity!

It is essential to create resources that truly connect with our communities and resonate with people. I had the immense pleasure of working on the translation of Consciously Speaking a guidebook on terminology related to sexuality and gender into Marathi.
India is a diverse country with numerous languages spoken across its regions. When it comes to gender and sexuality, many find it challenging to understand these topics or struggle to connect with existing resources because most of them are in English. Gender and sexuality are deeply human topics, yet they are often shrouded in stigma, making it even harder to find resources in regional languages.
To bridge this gap, we need to come together and create as much regional content as possible. This will help us reach more people, ensuring they can benefit from such valuable resources.
I am truly grateful to Sharif D Rangnekar for connecting me with Sharmishta from Avian WE, allowing us to collaborate on these translation projects. Together, we’ve translated Consciously Speaking into Hindi and Marathi. The process of translation was a learning experience and deeply fulfilling.
I encourage you to check out this guidebook and share your feedback! Additionally, I’d love to hear your suggestions on other languages we should translate it into.

Book link:https://www.avianwe.com/media/t5gl0d0n/consciously-speaking_marathi_print-final.pdf

***rBook

This World AIDS Day, we reflect on the progress we've made and the work still to be done. We know that HIV affects people across all walks of life, but it disproportionately impacts q***r communities, sexual minorities, and other marginalized groups who often face stigma and discrimination in accessing care and support.

Testing is not just for those already diagnosed—it’s for everyone. Knowing your status is empowering and essential for your health, as well as for the health of your community. We need to create spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported in discussing their health. Accessible healthcare and compassionate care for all, regardless of identity, is a fundamental right.

Let’s unite in building a world that is free from stigma, where testing is routine, and where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind.

Today, on , we remember the millions of lives lost to -related illnesses and honor the resilience of those living with .

We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, free from stigma and discrimination.

Let’s break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing the care they need. Let’s create a world where everyone can live with dignity and respect.

A visionary leader whose philanthropic efforts profoundly impacted India. His dedication to improving healthcare, particularly for cancer patients, has transformed lives and inspired a culture of giving. From establishing world-class hospitals to supporting innovative initiatives, his legacy will endure in the countless lives he touched. Ratan Tata will be remembered not just for his leadership in business, but for his unwavering commitment to a better, more compassionate society.

This May, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Glad Day Bookshop, Canada's oldest LGBTQIA+ bookstore, which opened its doors in 1970. As one of the first gay bookstores in Canada, it has been a beacon of inclusivity and culture for over five decades. Today, Glad Day Bookshop is not just a bookstore; it also serves as a restaurant, a meeting and conference space, and a vibrant community hub.

During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting the passionate individual currently running the bookstore and connecting with amazing people from various neighborhood organizations. It was inspiring to learn about the bookstore's journey and its significant role as a cultural landmark in Toronto.

This experience was made possible through the Karim Ladhak Fellowship, by Dignity Network Canada. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to explore such an iconic venue and its contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Do you know of any other unique bookstores around the world? Share them in the comments, and let's help spread the word about these wonderful spaces!

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I'm thrilled to share that I've completed my Bachelor of Laws (LLB)! This journey has been truly transformative, especially since I began my studies during the challenging COVID times. Reaching this milestone wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and colleagues. I am deeply grateful for their encouragement and guidance throughout this journey. Thank you all!

Today, I want to shine a spotlight on my incredible friend Anuprabha Das Mazumder a true warrior for transgender rights in West Bengal. I first met her in 2017 at Isalampur Pride, where her kindness and warmth made a lasting impression. Since then, I've witnessed her transformation into a powerful activist, passionately advocating for q***r rights.

Anuprabha made history as the first person in West Bengal—and in India—to successfully update her Aadhaar card to reflect her gender identity. Her courage is inspiring, and she continues to lead the charge for justice and equality.

Beyond activism, Anuprabha runs the beautiful initiative Bokulphool - বকুলফুল, showcasing the artistry of sarees from West Bengal while uplifting her community. Her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication make her a role model for many.

Thank you, Anuprabha, for being a beacon of hope and strength. Your journey inspires us all. Sending you love and hugs! 💖

It's really important to reach out to every employee in the organisation to sensitise them. These sessions not only impact the workplace but also extend to their homes and neighborhoods. Additionally, the movie "Partner" deals with acceptance in a very positive way. Looking forward to more such conversations.

Celebrating 15 Years of Kashish Pride Film Festival

In May, we celebrated a significant milestone - 15 years of the Kashish Pride Film Festival! I fondly remember attending the festival in 2013 at CineMax in Andheri. Although I was late and missed the film, it sparked a journey that led me from volunteering to becoming a core team member.

Kashish has been a transformative space for learning, creating, and celebrating. Throughout the year, it provides a safe and inclusive environment, fostering conversations and allowing everyone to express their true selves. The annual festival is a celebration for the community, creating a platform for diverse voices and stories.

Kashish holds a special place in my heart, offering countless opportunities. I've had the privilege of screening two short films, one documentary short, and one feature film.

A heartfelt thank you to Sridhar, Sagar, and the entire Kashish team for making me a part of this incredible family. Here's to many more years of celebrating diversity and creativity together!