When I was made aware that my college has a queer collective, I felt really welcome,” says Haseen, a first-year student at Hindu College, North Campus.
No matter the campus, the presence of designated groups—specific to either interests or communities—can offer a sense of belonging to students. For queer students like Haseen, who seek a safe space in their college where they can openly express themselves, having a Queer Collective (QC) makes a major difference. Until a few years ago, Delhi University colleges did not have QCs—the association was considered part of the Women’s Development Cell. However, in the past two years, students have started demanding that authorities formally recognise QCs as an independent bodies. While a few colleges have managed to form a QC formally, others are still operating without recognition.
Building a refuge
More often than not, conversations that centre around identity are seldom discussed openly among high school students. So when making a smooth transition from school to college, it is important for students to be part of a group where they can engage in dialogue around concepts of gender, sexuality, identity, etc. “When we started going to college, there was no forum for us to discuss such issues or meet individuals who felt the same way. We thought that when our juniors come, we’d want them to be in a space where they are comfortable,” shares A (*name changed on request), member of the Queer Feminist Collective (QFC) of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (SBSC), Sheikh Sarai.
These QCs also function as a grievance redressal cell in a number of colleges. “If a queer student faces harassment or is bullied, they can bring their grievances to us and we provide solutions as to how to proceed and register a complaint with the administration,” explains Saberi, member, Hindu College Queer Collective.
Promoting the cause
From film screenings to open mics, QCs organise various events from time to time in order to keep the discourse around queerness active while contributing to community building within the college. For instance, the QC of SBSC regularly organises reading sessions to promote queer texts; Hindu College QC organises regular ally sensitisation workshops; etc.
A space for allies too
While most QCs keep their doors open for people irrespective of their gender orientations, they ensure the core team only comprises queer members. “When you talk about a movement, even if it is your [queer individuals] fight, you can’t exclude other members of the society,” concludes Vishudh Verma, founding member, Queer Straight Alliance (QSA), Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS).
June is celebrated as Pride Month worldwide.
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LENDING A HELPING HAND
Family members of queer students may not always be accepting towards their identity. This only makes it difficult for students to avail monetary assistance. Queer Collectives also help individuals in need through fundraisers. While some QCs such as the Miranda House Queer Collective setup society-driven fundraisers to help people directly, others donate to organisations working with the community.