Research
What are the attitudes of various Indian communities towards the LGBTQIA+ community?
As someone passionate about social justice and LGBTQIA+ rights, I conducted an independent research study to explore the attitudes of affluent communities in Mumbai towards the LGBTQIA+ community. This research is particularly significant because it highlights how wealth, education, and social status intersect with beliefs about LGBTQIA+ identities in one of India’s most progressive cities.
Surveying approximately 150 individuals from affluent backgrounds, I assessed their comfort levels with various LGBTQIA+ identities and their views on key issues such as marriage equality. Based on my findings, I recommend implementing targeted educational programs, increasing visibility through media campaigns, and adopting inclusive policies in schools, workplaces, and social spaces. This research represents an important step in bridging the gap between legal rights and societal acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in India.
Through this project, I hope to contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and understanding society.
What are the Impacts of and coping mechanisms for Western media’s portrayal of queer women?
In August 2024, under the expert guidance of Rachel Eliza Guetta, a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at Duke University, I undertook a research project on the portrayal of queer women in Western media. My paper meticulously analyzed 50 reliable sources to uncover the detrimental effects of fetishization and objectification on both mental and physical health. Through this rigorous analysis, I not only identified these critical issues but also developed a set of actionable, innovative solutions. My recommendations provide media creators with practical strategies to portray queer women in a more respectful and empowering light, aiming to foster positive representation and contribute to more equitable media practices.
