Breaking Barriers---A Human Rights Campaign
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Step into a new world at Tagore International School where inclusion knows no bounds.
Through our student-led initiative ‘Breaking Barriers’ launched in 2013, our young trailblazers become catalysts of inclusivity fostering a sense of empowerment that ripples throughout our school & beyond. At TIS advocacy is not a buzzword- it is a way of life. Breaking Barriers campaign is a dazzling celebration of authenticity, where diversity is not simply accepted but cherished and embraced.
Our pioneer program ‘Breaking Barriers’ provides a network of compassionate trained allies who stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQAI+ community. Our inclusive club and support group serves as nurturing spaces fostering connections and championing resilience.Through workshops, educational sessions and open dialogues, we strive to build bridges of understanding and celebrate diverse identities.
As a cornerstone of our inclusive campaign, mental health and well being take center stage. We provide accessible resources and support ‘networks’ for LGBTQIA+ community & students ensuring their emotional and psychological needs are met. Our dedicated counseling team is well versed in LGBTQIA issues and stands ready to offer guidance, empathy and a listening ear.
The main objectives which propel the campaign are;
- To encourage students to respect diversity in all forms.
- Prevent bullying, on any grounds, at school.
- Sensitize senior students, to dispel myths and misconceptions around the community.
- Foster a school climate that is open to dialogue and accepting of differences
Highlights of our journey/campaign so far
- Sohini Chakrabarti and Safina Amin presented this campaign at The Global Education Leadership Foundation ( tGELF) Youth Leader Competition and were declared winners.
- Training volunteer peer educators from classes IX-XI for the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex), to help spread awareness and, sensitize schools and institutions across the city about this community.
- Partnering with CREA and the Naz Foundation, the ‘Breaking Barriers’ team has conducted nearly 25 hours of intensive training for our peer educators.
- Conducting informative awareness workshops for students of Class IX-XII and all teachers within the school.
So far, the campaign members have sensitized more than 3500 students across the city, reaching out to more than 30 schools.We take pride in being the only school in the country to actively participate in the Delhi Pride Parade every year from the year .2013 onwards.The school has a social media handle @breakingbarrierscampaign on Instagram, with all updates on the work undertaken by the campaign members.We have an informative notice board, an anonymous complaint box, scrapbook and a shelf dedicated to the LGBTQI community, in the library. We can very proudly say that we’ve truly come a long way, not just in terms of the impact on others, but also the appreciation we’ve received for taking up this initiative.Our social campaign was validated by being declared a winner under the ‘Best Practices’ category and the school was publically showcased in the 25th National Annual Sahodaya Conference in November 2019.
- Ms. Priyanka Randhawa
- President – Sonakshi Sharma – X C
- Vice president – Ridhima Upadhyay – IX C
Embracing Diversity: Tackling Unseen Challenges
At Tagoreans, we take pride in fostering an inclusive and accepting environment for all cultures, festivals, languages, and genders. While championing the LGBTI+ movement, we acknowledge the often unnoticed discrimination faced by citizens from the North East in the capital.
On February 7, 2024, Priyanka from Class XI addressed Class IX, sharing personal experiences of discrimination. The discussion not only shed light on the challenges faced by individuals from the North East but also opened dialogues on broader issues, including support for students with learning disabilities. This reflective session marked a significant step towards creating more sensitive and aware individuals, aligning with our mission to nurture citizens with strong values and principles.
Expanding Horizons: Breaking Barriers Campaign Reaches Bal Bharati, Pitampura
The Breaking Barriers Campaign recently extended its reach to Bal Bharati, Pitampura, where a Gender Sensitisation session was conducted on January 23, 2024. The session included engaging icebreaker activities and discussions on LGBTQ+ terminologies, addressing issues such as discrimination, myths, legal interventions, and media portrayal. Speakers shared personal experiences, encouraging students to create a safer environment and be supportive allies. The Naz Foundation’s support, along with impactful stories from Vaibhav and Siddhant, contributed to the campaign’s success. Promoting empathy and understanding, the initiative aims to break down barriers and foster an inclusive community.
IIT Vibhinn 2024: LGBTQIA Pride Festival"
IIT Vibhinn 2024, the All India Queer Collective Conference, marked a significant milestone in the journey of celebrating diversity and inclusion. Held on January 13, 2024, the event commenced with a dynamic panel discussion titled ‘Radical Empathy – Building an Inclusive Queer Pedagogy, Infrastructure, and Culture.’ The atmosphere resonated with vibrant expressions of gay pride, fostering unity, acceptance, and love among enthusiastic participants from diverse backgrounds.
The focal point of the event was the insightful panel discussion, addressing the imperative for transformative policies at the institutional level. Engaging conversations emphasized the need to move beyond mere tolerance towards embracing true diversity, exploring practical steps for fostering inclusivity. The event transcended a mere celebration; it became a powerful platform for advocacy and change.
Notably, students from the Breaking Barriers campaign not only attended but actively participated by posing questions on how schools can become more inclusive, earning appreciation from all present.
Inclusivity in Action: Interactive session by Pride Circle
On 12 December 2023, Breaking Barriers hosted a session on enhancing the representation of LGBT+ individuals in corporate India by Srini Ramaswamy, co-founder of Pride Circle
The session talked about the 100 Queer Intern Program, India Work Equality Index and Reimagining Inclusion for Social Equity, all designed to provide inclusive internship opportunities for LGBT+ students.
The interactive session left an indelible mark on the student community, fostering a heightened sense of empowerment and awareness.
Inclusion of the Young - Breaking Barriers Meets the Bankers
On December 21, 2023, the core team of Breaking Barriers had the privilege of engaging in a virtual dialogue with Axis Bank’s inclusion and diversity team. Centered around the theme of ‘Inclusion of the Young,’ the session featured team members sharing insights on cultivating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in both educational institutions and the corporate realm.
The session took on a lighthearted and comfortable tone as participants shared personal coming-out experiences and real-life stories. Thought-provoking questions were posed, delving into how the campaign addresses challenges like homophobia from parents or peers. The Axis Bank team offered valuable guidance on supporting LGBTQ+ friends and community members, emphasizing the significance of active, open-minded, and open-hearted listening free from personal bias.
This collaborative exchange not only left our students enlightened but also inspired to persist in our endeavors to create a more inclusive and supportive space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Unspoken by Tagore International School
Our current episode, presented by the Breaking Barriers team, features Ms. Krittika. As a Dalit queer individual, she shares her journey navigating identity complexities, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for inclusivity.
https://open.spotify.com/show/
We look forward to your support. Please follow and stay tuned for more inspiring content.
TIS,VV Commemorates World Human Rights Day with Inclusive Perspectives
On December 13, 2023, the Breaking Barriers team from Tagore International School had the privilege of participating in a meaningful event hosted by JLL (ACCENTURE) to mark World Human Rights Day. Celebrating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the session featured esteemed Human Rights Activist Harish Iyer as the guest speaker.
The core focus of the hour-long online session centered around inclusivity within workspaces. Project Heads from Tagore International School, representing various initiatives, actively engaged in discussions, illustrating how the school cultivates an inclusive environment. They underscored the transferability of these principles to professional workplaces, emphasizing that the fundamental human right of being respected should be universally upheld.
The session culminated with a thought-provoking observation: the responsibility for inclusivity lies with those who are included, shifting the narrative away from those who may feel excluded. This insightful session highlighted the active role individuals can play in promoting inclusivity and safeguarding human rights, both in educational institutions and professional settings.
Exploring LGBTQI+ Impact on Global Economy
Pride Circle and the Keshav Suri Foundation recently hosted an insightful panel discussion titled ‘Queering The Pitch’ at The Lalit on November 20, 2023. Members of the Breaking Barriers campaign were the only school students invited to partake in the session.
This international session featured distinguished speakers hailing from France, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. Among the notable panelists were Mr. Krishna Omkar, Founder, Return on Equity; Mr. Fabrice Houdart, ED, Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors; Professor Lee Badget, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts and Mr. Srini Ramaswami, Co-founder, Pride Circle.
The interaction dug deep into the concept of the Pink Economy, emphasizing its significance as a segment of the market driven by LGBTQ+ consumers and businesses. The discussion shed light on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs while also discussing strategies to create a more inclusive business environment. It also touched upon the importance of corporate inclusivity initiatives and how businesses can actively promote diversity and inclusion.
During the Q&A session, the audience actively participated, seeking advice on promoting inclusivity in their respective spheres. A notable moment came when one of our students inquired about tangible strategies for creating inclusive environments in educational institutes, earning applause from delegates. Mr. Keshav Suri, founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, lauded the Breaking Barriers initiative by TISVV, acknowledging their decade-long collaboration.
Delhi Pride Parade 2023
Pride Parade is an incredible experience that can be both exhilarating and emotional. It’s a chance to celebrate diversity, love, and acceptance, and to be surrounded by people who share your values of acceptance and inclusivity. This year too our school was invited to be a part of the Delhi Pride Parade on 26 November 2023. Under the banner of our campaign Breaking Barriers, our students attended this event with great enthusiasm for this noble cause.
The students prepared for the day with excitement, creating posters and getting their faces painted in diverse vibrant colors. With beautiful brightly-coloured posters showing our strong advocacy for the community, the students soaked in all the positivity. The energy at the Pride parade was electric, with music, dance, and laughter everywhere. The street was filled with people of all ages, races, and sexual orientations, all united by their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Apart from having a lot of fun, they also interacted with members from the other campaigns supporting the community, along with many other influential advocates.
One of the most moving aspects of the parade was seeing the pride of the community on full display. People were not afraid to be themselves, and were proud of who they are, giving out a powerful message of self-acceptance and love. This was certainly an unforgettable experience for every student.
Expressing One’s Gender Identity Through Art – Hiten Noonwal Interacts with Students
People who challenge binary social constructions of gender have traditionally faced discrimination and humiliation in society. The Breaking Barriers team has been working very sincerely to create a more inclusive mindset and to sensitise students to the needs of the LGBTQI+ community. As part of this effort, on 16 October 2023, our students had the opportunity to interact with Hiten Noonwal, who is a very successful drag artist, model, cosplayer and fashion designer. Hiten uses the pronouns ‘they’ and ‘them’ and speaks openly about their genderfluid identity. They started with a beautiful live performance and the graceful dance moves spoke of acceptance and self–love. Hiten’s sensitive video exploring the concept of identity through music, dance, colours, costumes and creative visuals was deeply moving. Using simple language, they proceeded to share their journey of self discovery, of discrimination, ridicule, loneliness and finally the use of art as a therapy to express oneself and find one’s own place in the world. They made sure to put a special emphasis on expression as a form of letting out pain and vulnerability. Their struggle touched every listener and clearly students could empathise with their pain.
The students were given a chance to express emotions through bodily postures in a theatrical display with groups of 8-10 students where they were given two minutes to prepare a scene and enact it just by stationary expression. Students came up with different situations ranging from a masquerade ball to a scene unfolding in a football field. Hiten gave their inputs and explained how this art helped them express their deepest emotions – an eye opener for all the hidden artists in the room ! The Q&A session which concluded the event showed how much students were inspired by this tale of struggle and self discovery.
Breaking Barriers team deliberates on Inclusivity for Transgenders in Our Society
A panel discussion was conducted by Alliance India in Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar on 13 October 2023 with the Breaking Barriers campaign members from both branches of Tagore International School, i.e Vasant Vihar and East Of Kailash.
Mrs Anubhuti is a Project Manager at Alliance India and looking into their new project named SAHAS which focuses on issues faced by the transgender community. Ms Veronica Tyagi, a transgender woman who aspires to be a marine biologist, shared her inspiring and fascinating story as a transgender woman, with the audience. She started working in NGOs to support her education.
She highlighted the issues that the transgender community faces, for example unavailability of transgender friendly washrooms, surgeries that can be very risky, lack of money and support, side effects of hormone therapy, decreased immunity, increased risk of HIV-AIDS, pills that they have to take throughout their lifetime in order to avoid hormonal imbalance and social stigmas as people consider being trans as irreligious, unethical, or unnatural. She recalled personal instances of ragging and name calling. Where sensitization is concerned, she commented that the discrimination was caused by lack of awareness among people, not only of society as a whole but also of our own parents. Hence, ways to bring about an inclusive change were discussed, among which were transgender friendly restrooms , the use of social media, myth busting reels, and more.
Promoting inclusivity & indeed breaking barriers
The Breaking Barriers Team organized a session on the LGBTQIA+ community on Friday, 18 August 2023, with the aim of dispelling misconceptions and promoting inclusivity among the senior school students of TIS EOK.
The session featured prominent members of the Naz Foundation (an organization advocating LGBTQIA+ rights), who shared their personal experience, highlighting the challenges faced, the process of self-discovery and the significance of acceptance.
These narratives aimed to humanize the LGBTQIA+ experience and create a sense of connection.
Participants were encouraged to ask questions and engage in an open dialogue with the speakers. The interactive session encouraged queries and worked on clarifying misconceptions. The session successfully achieved its goal of breaking down barriers, and fostering inclusivity.
Prismatic – Inclusivity for All
In the month of June, the Breaking Barriers team hosted Prismatic – an online Intra-School Competition with the theme Ruminate, Radiate, Illuminate.
Students competed in four categories namely;
Artistic Alchemy: a piece of art (either traditional or digital ) to help spread the message of diversity and inclusivity.
Essay Enigma: Essays reflecting thought-provoking insights and demonstrating a genuine passion for bringing change in society.
Poetry Pinnacle: express emotions in verse.
The Seniors also took part in the “Reelovation” category, which required them to create a reel that raises awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community, in order to keep up with the social media age.
Congratulations to all the winners.
#Anjali Gopalan in an interactive session with students
Ms. Anjali Gopalan, Founder and Executive Director, NAZ Foundation, conducted an interactive session for the students of grade XI and the Breaking Barriers team on Tuesday, 11 July 2023.
The session started with Ms Anjali clarifying basics like what exactly does each of the letters in LGBTQI+ stand for and addressing the commonly misunderstood, ignored and misconstrued information pertaining to these terms. This was followed by an extremely informative discussion wherein strong opinions were shared from both ends on topics ranging from homosexual matrimony in India to unequal laws, parental pressure to societal rejection and sensitization to acceptance.
Students zeal to learn more about the community was equally matched with Ms. Anjali’s patience to address each query. It was a unique opportunity for one and all to gain insight into the struggles faced by today’s youth due to discrimination and set-thought process of the Indian society at large.
Breaking Barriers : Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workshop
A three hour session on Diversity Equity and Inclusion was conducted by renowned activist, Harish Iyer, on 10 May 2023 for the members of the Breaking Barriers Campaign at TIS,VV. Harish Iyer is currently the head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Axis Bank. Harish’s valuable insights and fun references to pop culture kept the students hooked throughout. They appreciated his humour and approachability
The main objectives of the workshop were to:
Raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and diversity.
Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for students to share their experiences, thoughts, and ideas.
Foster empathy, respect, and understanding among students from different backgrounds.
Understand why is equitable distribution important for inclusivity
To let students hear real life experiences and take snippets of popular culture to understand and empathize with the problems faced by certain groups of people.
Guest speakers shared their personal experiences and expertise related to inclusivity and diversity. The speakers discussed topics such as racial and ethnic diversity, gender inclusivity, LGBTQ+ rights, disability awareness, and cultural sensitivity. The sessions were informative, engaging, and sparked meaningful conversations among the participants.
Students were divided into small groups to facilitate deeper discussions on various aspects of inclusivity and diversity. This encouraged students to share their perspectives, challenges, and ideas and focused on developing practical strategies to promote inclusivity within the school community.
Students were encouraged to think out of the box and try to break societal stereotypes. Some amazing ideas emerged from the students, proving that this workshop had successfully helped children become more inclusive. Participants had clearly gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds and developed empathy towards their peers. The event provided students with a platform to engage in meaningful discussions, develop empathy, and formulate action plans.
Our Campaign ‘Breaking Barriers’ at IIT Delhi
Gender Sensitization Workshop at DPS Rohini
The power of education can bring about great social change. An interactive and impactful Gender Sensitization Workshop was conducted by Breaking Barriers for DPS Rohini on 19 October 2022 for Classes X and XI , with almost 400 students attending this session in two
batches.
The entire team worked together with much enthusiasm to deliver a very informative presentation. The campaign team members discussed various concepts related to the LGBT+community and human rights. The audience was keenly engaged and asked many questions and made note of key points. They expressed interest in having more sessions like these and so that they may initiate Breaking Barriers campaigns in their own campus.
Breaking Barriers – 4th Anniversary of sec 377
Diversity, Equity and
As educators are the catalysts of change so the aim of this workshop was to engage educators in discussions on greater inclusion in classrooms via activities, social experiments, class discussions, art, films, and more. Educators brainstormed ideas, asked questions and took these thoughts back to their schools. We hope that they now work on creating inclusive school policies and create comfortable, safe space for their students and staff in their campus. All the educators gave positive feedback and wanted our campaigners to visit their schools to initiate the Breaking Barriers campaign in their schools. That students conducted the workshop and that lgbt+ guests shared their experiences was what impressed them most.
All participants received certificates from the Canadian Embassy and from our school.
Gender Sensitization Workshop for Soami Nagar Model School
Another impactful Gender Sensitization Workshop was conducted by Breaking Barriers campaigners for Soami Nagar Model School students of grades 9 to 12 on 16th July 2022. Our enthusiastic students are eager to create similar resource groups in other educational institutions.
The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada , in two batches of one hour each, with more than a hundred students benefiting from this workshop. The workshop started with a short talk and video by the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Ms Amanda Strohan highlighting why such workshops are extremely important at youth level.
Breaking Barriers is a youth level social initiative based on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal no. 4, Gender Equality. The focus of this sensitization workshop was:
- to reduce bullying and discrimination that happens at educational level.
- to spread awareness on human rights, equal opportunities and lgbt rights
- to raise empathetic humans who respect diversity in all forms and create a inclusive and just world for all
- to open dialogue and foster open mindedness right from a young age
- to offer a platform that allows conversations that were long treated as stereotypes
