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In the year of 2021-2022, Vannam continued its mission to celebrate and uplift the queer community through a series of diverse and impactful events. From film screenings and inspiring talks to panel discussions and workshops, each event was a step towards fostering inclusivity, awareness, and solidarity. Here's a look at what we accomplished this past year:
1. Screening of ‘Why so Straight?’ and Q&A Session with Malini Jeevarathnam
As one of the first offline events post-pandemic, Vannam organized a screening of the film "Why So Straight?" at CLT, 5:30 pm on the 19th of April 2021. The film revolved around the journey of a queer artist, peppered with humor and meaningful insights and was followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker, Malini Jeevarathnam.
Vannam IITM, Screening of ‘Why so Straight?’ and Q&A Session with Malini Jeevarathnam
Vannam IITM, Screening of ‘Why so Straight?’ and Q&A Session with Malini Jeevarathnam
2. Panel Discussion: Pride in Campuses
Vannam participated in a panel Discussion organized by Saathi IITM with panelists representing student queer collectives across IITs on June 20. The discussion was live-streamed on YouTube.
To watch the panel discussion: YouTube link
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5. In conversation with Karthik Hebbar & Sumana Chandrashekar
Another event organized in collaboration with the Classical Arts club during the online semester featured Karthik Hebbar and Sumana Chandrashekar on October 20. Karthik Hebbar is an accomplished musician, writer, media, and theater artist from Karnataka. Apart from music, he is actively involved in theater as a playwright and a director with productions like 'Patanga Prabhabha' and 'Amma Mattu Suhail', which mediate and talk about gender and LGBTQ+ issues. Sumana Chandrashekhar is a Ghatam player, training under Guru Sukanya Ramgopal. She has performed in various prestigious venues across the country and also at the International Frame Drum Festival in Freiburg, Germany.
To watch the talk: Youtube Link
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8. Raahat workshop
Vannam in collaboration with The Raahat Project hosted a Mental Health workshop organized by IIT-M students.
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3. In conversation with: NAAZ JOSHI
Vannam hosted an inspiring online event with Naaz Joshi, international beauty queen, trans rights activist, and motivational speaker on July 31. Joshi, who has won Miss World Diversity four times in a row, spoke about her journey and her fight for equality for women and the transgender community. The event was held on Zoom and streamed live on YouTube.
To watch the talk: Youtube Link
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6. Pride Ed Collaboration
Vannam was a campus partner for the Pride Ed Summit happened on October 29 and 30, and was involved in doing publicity for them. Vannam logo was featured on their website.
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9. Sheer Qorma
On June 20, 2021, Saathi IIT Madras, in association with Vannam, organised an online interaction featuring the team behind the film "Sheer Qorma." Team Sheer Qorma engaged in a lively exchange with students from IIT Madras, discussing their creative journey, challenges faced during the pandemic, and the themes presented in the film. The film Sheer Qorma is a story of belonging and acceptanclole, identity and family, and how it comes together under one roof, as resilient women choose to embrace love that exists beyond their personal beliefs and social moralities in the hopes of a brighter future.
Watch the conversation here: Youtube Link
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4. In conversation with Padmashri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj:
During the online semester, Vannam along with the Classical Arts Club organized a session with Bharatanatyam Dancer & erstwhile Member of the State Planning Commission 'Padma Shri' Narthaki Natraj on October 17. She is the first trans woman to be awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 and along with being a dancer, she has been fighting for the rights and respect for transgendered people. The meeting was held over zoom and was live-streamed on youtube for participants joining from their homes.
To watch the talk: Youtube Link
7. NIMHANS Panel Discussion
Vannam took part in a Panel discussion organised by NIMHANS and shared insights on mental health of queer youth. It was not a gathering for the general public.
10. Sustaining Insti Pride
On June 19, 2021, a discussion on the significance of LGBTQIA+ support groups on university campuses was organized by Saathi IIT Madras, in collaboration with Vannam. The event provided a platform for dialogue on the challenges and rewards of establishing and nurturing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals within campuses. The discussion brought together representatives from Indradhanu (IIT Delhi), Saathi (IIT Bombay), Anchor (BITS Pilani), Ambar (IIT Kharagpur) and Vannam (IIT Madras), offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences. Attendees actively participated in the conversation that highlighted the impact of support groups in fostering a sense of community, acceptance, and empowerment among LGBTQIA+ students.