In the heart of Thane, at Teen Hath Naka, a quiet but powerful revolution is taking place. On April 9th, 2025, the Signal School an institution dedicated to the holistic upliftment of marginalized children hosted a groundbreaking awareness session on the LGBTIQA+ community. Organized by the Youthaid Foundation and supported by Samhita, this two-hour session was attended by 17 principals and teachers from various branches of Signal Schools across Mumbai. It marked a pivotal step toward inclusive education and a broader understanding of sex, gender, and sexuality.
Signal Schools are not ordinary institutions. They cater to children born into extreme adversity offspring of unemployed parents crushed under the weight of debt, superstition, and social neglect. These children grow up without structure, with their basic health and emotional needs unmet, and their futures clouded by uncertainty. Their families often face ridicule from society, and their everyday existence is a battle for dignity. In such a landscape, Signal Schools strive to bring children into the mainstream not just through education, but also by nurturing their physical and emotional well-being.
While educators at these schools are familiar with the challenges faced by children living on the streets or at traffic signals, many admitted they had never deeply considered the lives of transgender individuals or the broader LGBTIQA+ community people they often see at the same traffic signals. This changed with the awareness session led by Milan Ma’am, whose empathetic and informative approach shed light on the harsh realities faced by the community.
The session began by clarifying the difference between sex (biological attributes such as male, female, and intersex) and gender (a fluid spectrum of identities and expressions). Participants explored the full meaning of the LGBTIQA+ acronym Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, Asexual, and others and were introduced to the unique experiences of individuals within each identity.
Educators learned how mental health struggles, often caused by discrimination and social exclusion, deeply affect members of the LGBTIQA+ community. Issues such as school dropouts, social isolation, and high-risk behaviors were discussed, and the need for schools to act as safe havens was emphasized. Real-life stories and case studies added a deeply human perspective to the session, fostering empathy and breaking down long-held misconceptions.
Legal advancements such as the decriminalization of Section 377 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, were also explained. The session highlighted various government schemes available for transgender individuals, including medical support, documentation, housing, and welfare benefits.
Most importantly, the session offered practical tools for schools to become more inclusive:
- Using gender-affirming and respectful language
- Implementing anti-bullying policies
- Encouraging open, non-judgmental communication
- Introducing gender and sexuality topics age-appropriately
- Supporting both students and staff on their learning journey
The impact of the session was deeply felt. Many educators expressed that this was the first time they had been exposed to such information and found the experience enlightening and transformative.
Testimonials from Participants:
“I’ve been in the teaching profession for over two decades, yet this is the first time I’ve truly grasped the distinction between sex and gender. The session offered eye-opening insights that completely changed my perspective.”
– Indu Rajput, Principal
“This training helped me realize how deeply our words and actions can impact a child’s self-esteem and mental health. It was a powerful reminder to always lead with empathy.”
– Mrs. Ratika Kadam, Teacher
“As educators, we shape how young minds view the world. Learning about the LGBTIQA+ community made me realize my role in fostering inclusivity in the classroom. This training was truly empowering.”
– Kashitya, Principal
Conclusion:
This awareness session at Signal School wasn’t just a training—it was a moment of awakening. By empowering educators to understand and embrace diversity, we are building a future where every child, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can feel safe, seen, and supported. As Signal Schools continue their mission of restoring dignity to society’s most vulnerable children, initiatives like these ensure that no identity is left behind. Inclusion, after all, is the first step toward true education.
