The Aravani Art Project is Removing Transphobia from the Medical Community

Imagine a world where hospitals refuse treatment, where doctors pay no heed to your ailments and where you have no place in society; who would want to live in such a world? Denying an individual access to healthcare is the same as gambling with their life. Yet, such conditions are forced upon the LGBT community. Not human is it? However, there are still knights in shining armor.

The ‘Art for Aarogya’ project — a micro-volunteering platform for artists to volunteer their skills and donate their art to help mold a discussion about health and healthcare. Led by activist Dr. Dayaprasad G. Kulkarni and artist Poorniam Sukumar, the project aims to bridge the gap to the LGBT community by providing an inclusive, integrated, neutral space; encouraging them to explore the many facets of life without being subjected to harsh social commentary.

The project has a dual purpose. Not only does it foster the growth and development of an entire community neglected by the government, it also promises to be a visual treat. How? Well, the ‘Art for Aarogya’ Project does so by painting murals; developing an atmosphere where social stigma and prejudice are replaced by acceptance and camaraderie. It provides an open platform that nurtures conversation among local pockets of society, making them aware of the needs of the LGBT community and boosts entrepreneurial growth and job opportunities for the community.
The theory behind using art is a huge success. Art is a non-threatening, non-aggressive form of raising awareness and this project allows members of the LGBT community to work alongside with other members of society . Local businesses and community members select a prominent space in the neighborhood; the artist visualizes the mural, and the LGBT community completes the painting. This unique workflow creates a positive environment and decreases the stereotyping towards the LGBT community. The project is so well received that in various cities members have been asked to come back to adjacent locations, to paint new murals.
But, the primary focus of the project continues to be the development of healthcare. Recent studies prove that ‘most medical practitioners do not actively attend to the LGBT community’; the reason being attributed to transphobia. During the Mural Project, ‘Aarogya Seva’ — the parent organization leading the project — hosts a Healthfair. AarogyaSeva trains Healthcare Professionals and tutors them towards dealing with the stress of working with an oppressed minority community. They provide a comprehensive and safe access to healthcare for the LGBT community whilst also sensitizing the medical fraternity and broader community to the needs of this marginalized community. The medical fraternity treats the physical and mental health of the LGBT community by providing screenings, treatments, and information about various medical and surgical issues usually not available to them.

The Aravani Art Project isn’t simply about empowering a community — it is about bringing them into the fold of mainstream society.
Here’s how you could help
- Donate a wall or art supplies
- Donate medical and sanitary supplies
- Spread the word
- Urge your friends/family members within the medical fraternity to actively take part in this initiative.
We urge you to do your part towards humanity.
Author : Team HE
