Tashi’s first encounter with Rubaroo happened years ago at a Lamakaan event on gender conversations. And here we are, sitting with her for a candid conversation to reflect on the journey. It was a moment of discovery, as they describe it, “It was refreshing and assuring to know other young people talking about gender as a lived reality, especially as a queer and trans person. To have non-queer organizations wanting to engage with gender was very encouraging and remains so today.”
That initial connection with Rubaroo grew deeper over the years. Tashi became part of the Interfaith Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) and collaborated with Rubaroo on various initiatives. “After the IYLP program, I remained engaged with Rubaroo more consistently. I was part of some interfaith panels and collaborative events, particularly around gender and transgender persons. These experiences were not just participative but transformative,” Tashi shares.
Currently, Tashi works with Queer Champs Wellness and Support Center (QC Center) in Hyderabad, a community space that provides holistic support for queer and trans individuals. Their work spans partnerships with the state government, police, and faith-based organizations. For Tashi, faith is deeply personal yet profoundly public.
“Faith is my first queer experience,” she says, a sentiment that shapes her worldview. “I see faith as an integral part of my queerness and my queer self. I’ve had the opportunity to study and engage with multiple faiths before committing to Buddhism. For me, faith is distinct from religion; while religion is institutional and often shaped by dominant societal forces, faith is deeply personal and individual. Each person embodies their own faith uniquely, much like their identity.”
The Intersection of Faith and Gender
According to Tashi, one of Rubaroo’s most striking initiatives is its ability to combine conversations about faith and gender. “It’s rare to see organizations that tackle these two aspects together. In progressive, liberal, political spaces, engaging with faith is often unheard of, yet Rubaroo does so in a manner that is socially and politically relevant,” she notes.
This intersectionality resonates with Tashi’s work. They emphasize the importance of addressing faith in broader human rights conversations. “Faith and religion have often been used to discriminate, violate, and oppress. For queer people, reclaiming faith in a way that aligns with our lived experiences is crucial. It’s about finding space for nurturing and meaningful engagement within these realms.”
“When you work with younger generations, you’re opening windows and doors. These conversations might not bring immediate change, but they nurture openness in people’s hearts and minds, which stays with them,” Tashi says.
Challenges and Growth
Tashi reflects on their IYLP journey, where they were the only trans person in the first cohort. Initially skeptical about how inclusive the space would be, they were pleasantly surprised. “The Rubaroo team created a fairly affirming space. Of course, there were moments of discomfort, like dealing with patriarchal attitudes from some participants, but that’s the nature of diverse spaces. The facilitators managed to hold space for both pleasant and challenging dialogues.”
The experience, she explains, was as much about faith as it was about navigating sociopolitical realities. “When we bring faith into discussions, especially alongside gender and sexuality, it creates a nuanced space. It’s challenging but also deeply rewarding to see these layers unfold.”
About the Impact Created
“When working with people, not mechanisms, gauging immediate impact is hard. But the fact that Rubaroo has been able to sustain itself and continue creating spaces for over a decade speaks volumes. It’s not about instant transformation but creating openness and planting seeds for long-term change.”
For Tashi, the relevance of Rubaroo’s work grows stronger in an increasingly polarized world. “In a society divided along lines of faith, Rubaroo’s approach to fostering engagement and dialogue is more critical than ever. It’s about building bridges, even when the process is slow and intangible.”
Advice for Changemakers
Reflecting on their journey, Tashi advises those venturing into social change: “Do not lose hope.” They elaborate, “Change is constant; it happens with or without us. But as changemakers, we aim to steer that change in meaningful directions. That requires patience, resilience, and a deep belief in your work.”
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