As part of the Queer Inclusive Health System in Kerala, SHSRC-Kerala, in collaboration with the Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI), conducted the state’s first-ever Queer Affirmative Counselling Practices (QACP) Residential Programme in the previous financial year. This initiative trained government healthcare providers, including doctors and Bhoomika Centre counsellors, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. The programme focused on perspective-building to help participants recognize systemic inequalities and understand their impact on mental health. It also provided practical tools to address distress and support the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic healthcare system.

As part of the Queer Inclusive Health System Project, SHSRC-Kerala conducted four training workshops this financial year for state-level officials, health workers, Bhoomika counsellors, public relations officers, Transgender Community Link Workers (CLWs), and selected district-level officials. These workshops mark the beginning of the second phase in developing a Queer Inclusive Health System in Kerala.

A significant shift in knowledge and awareness regarding queer individuals (LGBTQIA+) was a key outcome of the workshops. With the implementation of this Queer inclusive health system, SHSRC-Kerala is gaining national recognition. Various institutions across the country are inviting SHSRC-Kerala to share expertise in this field, both as faculty and panelists. Additionally, research officers from SHSRC-Kerala, who are actively studying queer-inclusive healthcare, are also being invited to contribute as experts in discussions and training sessions. This growing recognition highlights the impact of SHSRC-Kerala’s efforts in fostering an inclusive and equitable healthcare system for queer individuals.