{"id":368,"date":"2024-12-01T21:57:18","date_gmt":"2024-12-01T16:27:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rubaroo.org\/blog\/?p=368"},"modified":"2025-10-10T14:22:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T08:52:47","slug":"impact_tashi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rubaroo.org\/blog\/impact_tashi\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Faith, Gender, and Change: Tashi\u2019s Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tashi\u2019s first encounter with Rubaroo<\/strong> 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, \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That initial connection with Rubaroo grew deeper over the years. Tashi became part of the Interfaith Youth Leadership Programme (IYLP)<\/strong> and collaborated with Rubaroo on various initiatives. \u201cAfter the IYLP programme, 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,\u201d<\/em> Tashi shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, Tashi works with Queer Champs Wellness and Support Center (QC Center)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFaith is my first queer experience,\u201d<\/em> she says, a sentiment that shapes her worldview. \u201cI see faith as an integral part of my queerness and my queer self. I\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Intersection of Faith and Gender<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Tashi, one of Rubaroo\u2019s most striking initiatives is its ability to combine conversations about faith and gender. \u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d<\/em> she notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This intersectionality resonates with Tashi\u2019s work. They emphasize the importance of addressing faith in broader human rights conversations. \u201cFaith 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\u2019s about finding space for nurturing and meaningful engagement within these realms.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you work with younger generations, you\u2019re opening windows and doors. These conversations might not bring immediate change, but they nurture openness in people\u2019s hearts and minds, which stays with them,\u201d <\/em>Tashi says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges and Growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cThe Rubaroo team created a fairly affirming space. Of course, there were moments of discomfort, like dealing with patriarchal attitudes from some participants, but that\u2019s the nature of diverse spaces. The facilitators managed to hold space for both pleasant and challenging dialogues.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experience, she explains, was as much about faith as it was about navigating sociopolitical realities. \u201cWhen we bring faith into discussions, especially alongside gender and sexuality, it creates a nuanced space. It\u2019s challenging but also deeply rewarding to see these layers unfold.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Impact Created<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen 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\u2019s not about instant transformation but creating openness and planting seeds for long-term change.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Tashi, the relevance of Rubaroo\u2019s work grows stronger in an increasingly polarized world. \u201cIn a society divided along lines of faith, Rubaroo\u2019s approach to fostering engagement and dialogue is more critical than ever. It\u2019s about building bridges, even when the process is slow and intangible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advice for Changemakers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on their journey, Tashi advises those venturing into social change: \u201cDo not lose hope.\u201d<\/strong> They elaborate, \u201cChange 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"CTA\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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