Psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda (pictured) sees a "fair amount” of Parsi individuals who are "upset, angry or resentful” about their sexual identity in the course of his practice. "There is little available by way of resources for them to get assistance on emotional and psychological issues,” he said while speaking to Parsiana on March 19, 2018 about the newly set up network "Health
Professionals for Queer Indians” (HPQI) that he will lead. HPQI will "conduct education, training and research, to develop attitudes of empathy, sensitivity and equality,” he said. Also on the cards is collaboration with professionals across the country and conducting various educational activities and more importantly conduct robust research.
The medico, who consults at P. D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre and Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre among other places said that "the medical fraternity is not as empathetic to these individuals as they could be, due to myths around sexual identity… there is very little taught in medical curriculums on the issues facing the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community.”
Cautioning that individuals who are confused about their sexual identities are more prone to isolation, loneliness and suicidal thoughts, he hoped that "the more we bring the myths related to sexual identity out of the closet, more people will be able to seek help” rather than suffer in silence. He clarified that the network will focus only on psychological and emotional health issues and not be involved in looking into physical health issues, and will not involve itself with advocacy.
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"There are a number of myths related to the LGBT community which, through their perpetuation, reinforce negative mindsets and cause subjective emotional distress,” said Chavda, who is chairman of the Indian Psychiatric Society’s (IPS) task force on LGBT mental health. He was speaking at the first mental health conference on issues faced by the community organized by the IPS and Bombay Psychiatric Society (BPS) at B. Y. L. Nair Hospital on March 10. A note on the conference was sent to Parsiana by radiological oncologist Dr Prasad Raj Dandekar, who is also the convener of the taskforce. Over 450 mental health workers including psychiatrists, counsellors and psychologists attended the conference, said Dandekar.