By Ava Goldfarb

SCHOD, or Sahodaran Community Oriented Health Development Society, is an organization that strives to grow as a support system for the LGBTQ+ community in India. The foundation reflects the capability of collective action in expanding acceptance and understanding within the community. Founded in 1998 in Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, this organization serves as a vital support system, providing health and educational resources to its members and the broader community. SCOHD works to address challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ and MSM communities, such as social injustice and discrimination, inaccessible healthcare, and legal obstacles. The organization provides a support in health counseling, HIV/AIDS education, mental health support, and legal aid. They contribute to the ongoing achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3), and aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

(Image from SCOHD’s website)

More Than Just a Safe Space

Access to gender-affirming care for transgender individuals in India is unregulated and often very difficult to access. The cost of hormone medication and lack of specialized training among medical professionals often results in inadequate care, leading to misdiagnoses, incorrect dosages, and dangerous side effects. SCOHD plays a vital role in addressing these challenges. The organization has had a substantial impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Pondicherry by implementing effective HIV/AIDS prevention strategies. By providing comprehensive information on HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and treatment, along with readily available resources like free protection and lubricants, SCOHD has significantly contributed to reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS within the community.

Historical Impact

IPC 377, a controversial law criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships, had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community in India, leading to widespread discrimination, persecution, and fear. However, in 2018, a landmark Supreme Court decision struck down IPC 377, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights. SCOHD played a crucial role in this victory, by advocating for the repeal of this discriminatory law and mobilizing public support for this important change.

SCODH’s Goals

SCOHD’s main goal is to build a more just and equitable society where the LGBTQ+ and MSM community can be more respected. By providing support, education, and advocacy, SCOHD helps encourage individuals to live freely in their identity and challenge the instilled stigma that has previously been associated with their sexual orientation and gender identity.

SCOHD has achieved transformative impact through the organization of community events, the provision of specialized healthcare training, and collaborative efforts with media outlets to grow a more inclusive and understanding societal discourse.

(AUP students visiting SCODH)

Societal Challenges

The challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in India are deeply rooted in societal structures. Transgender individuals often face family/community rejection, leading to homelessness and isolation. In Indian culture, families often all live together and provide support to one another throughout their lives. So, in a culture that places such a high value on family, rejection from this sense of identity and community has substantial impacts on marginalized individuals.

Limited job opportunities and discrimination further outcast the community. This systemic discrimination reinforces social hierarchies and limits opportunities for these individuals throughout India. The disturbingly high suicide rates within the LGBTQ+ community call attention to the urgent need for support and advocacy. SCOHD plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by actively advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and providing a safe space for them to find support and community. During our visit to SCOHD, we spoke with a staff member who shared heartbreaking stories of individuals facing rejection and discrimination. It was clear that SCOHD is a lifeline for many in the community, offering a sense of belonging and hope for a better future.

More on SCOHD’s website: https://sahodaransociety.wordpress.com/about/