It is with much sadness that we at Gaysi Family report the passing of Betu Singh – a well known fighter for Lesbian Rights in India. It is our understanding that she breathed her last this morning having been unwell for a while.
For those of you who many not be aware be who Betu Singh is or what she has done for the LGBTQ community, there’s no better time than now to reflect and laud this wonderful lady’s accomplishments.
Born in Kolkata in 1964, Betu Singh came from an Army Family. Betu Singh set up the Sangini Trust in 1997 – The first lesbian crisis helpline and organization in New Delhi. In the early days, the Naz foundation provided Sangini with an office – and after 2 years without funding, they eventually became monetarily supported. Sangini evolved from a helpline to weekly group meetings and workshops to working with colleges, jails and providing sex change education and support.
You can hear more about Betu Singh’s life, love, challenges and joy in her own voice and words in this video by Project Bolo – An Indian LGBT oral histories project.
Update :
The Humsafar Trust will be holding a memorial service in the loving memory of Betu Singh, a champion and friend, who passed away this morning. The memorial service will be held from 7.00-8.00 PM on Monday, October 7 2013, at our Vakola Drop In Center.
The memorial service will screen 20 minutes of Betu’s interview in Bolo about her life, work and journey and will be open to everyone who wishes to pay a tribute to Betu.
