SWEEKAR
The Rainbow Parents
Since, February 17, 2017
Born from shared experiences, committed to empowering parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals founded by 3 Indian Mothers Aruna Desai, Chitra Palekar, and Padma Iyer.
How did SWEEKAR come into existence?
Sweekar originated from a group of parents who, having accepted their LGBTQIA+ children, became visible advocates at events like pride parades and acceptance meets. Over time, they found themselves counseling numerous struggling youth seeking support in coming out to their families. This grassroots movement culminated in the formal founding of Sweekar during the crowd-funding campaign for the film “Evening Shadows” by Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta.
The driving force behind Sweekar is the belief in the transformative power of parental acceptance. By uniting parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals, we provide mutual guidance, stay informed on pertinent issues, and offer vital peer counselling. Our outreach extends beyond counselling to participating in diverse platforms, from educational panels to PRIDE marches, collaborating with international organizations, and continually educating ourselves through initiatives like the PRABAL course. Together, we strive to foster understanding, acceptance, and support within families and society at large.
Core idea & intent
CORE IDEA: A support group of parents for parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
CORE INTENT: To support and empower parents in accepting their LGBTQIA+ children.
our vision
The vision of ‘Sweekar: The Rainbow Parents’ is to have a Pan-India presence, as well as to reach parents of Indian origin residing in other nations. Sweekar aims to be a multicultural network of parents of LGBTQIA+ children who can stand with each other, challenge existing notions of gender and sexuality, and fight for their own rights.
Meet the founders
Aruna Desai
Co-Founder
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Chitra Palekar
Co-Founder
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Padma Iyer
Co-Founder
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Our Initiatives
Collaboration
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Training & Awareness (for parents)
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Workshops and Counselling
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Overturning section 377 - Advocacy
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Our NGO Partnerships
NAZARIYA
Nazariya, founded by Delhi-based queer feminist activists in October 2014, sensitizes groups and individuals working on gender-based violence, livelihoods, education, and health from a queer perspective through research, capacity building, and advocacy. Using the term “queer” to encompass diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, Nazariya aims to bridge marginalized communities with existing initiatives, impacting discourse on pleasure, desire, rights, and entitlements.
BI COLLECTIVE
Bi Collective Delhi is an independent community collective for bisexual, bi+, bi-curious, and pansexual individuals in Delhi and nearby areas. We provide a safe space and support group, welcoming respectful discussions on bisexual experiences and identity while not tolerating biphobic comments.
THE HUMSAFAR TRUST
Established in 1994, The Humsafar Trust stands as India’s pioneering Community-Based Organisation for LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for health and rights for over 25 years. From welcoming lesbians and gays to hosting workshops on HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights, the Trust remains dedicated to safeguarding the community’s health and human rights.