Marginalised communities, especially women and LGBTQIA+ individuals often have very few spaces where they can come together without fear, judgement, or social labels. Limited interaction and deep-rooted stereotypes continue to create distance and misunderstanding. Creating shared platforms where people can meet as equals is important because inclusion grows through lived experience and not just through awareness. When people interact, play, and work together fear reduces and understanding begins.
With this belief in mind, Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), through its Gender Diversity Inclusion (GDI) Unit, organised a two-day Inclusive Hackathon in December 2025. The initiative aimed to promote dignity, equality, and social participation by bringing women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community together in a space that encouraged learning through experience. Pritesh Kamble, Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA and a non-binary changemaker from Pune, whose work champions dignity, equality, and inclusion, articulates in this article how access to opportunity can create powerful shifts in mindset, confidence, and belonging.
The Hackathon created a large, open, and welcoming environment where participants interacted freely. Over 50 participants took part in activities focused on sports, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. Instead of lecture-based sessions, the focus was on shared activities that encouraged natural interaction. Many participants entered the space with curiosity and hesitation due to limited exposure. However, as they engaged with one another, these barriers gradually disappeared.
One woman participant shared, “I was nervous at first. I had never played in a team with transgender persons. But when we began to interact and play, I realised we were just players together. We laughed, cheered, and worked as a team. This has changed my mindset completely.” Her reflection captured how shared experiences helped break fear and build connection.
The impact was equally strong for transgender participants, many of whom often face exclusion in public and social spaces. One transgender participant expressed, “We were unsure whether we would be accepted. But on the ground, everything was positive. They encouraged us, and we encouraged them. This is inclusion in real life.” Such moments of mutual encouragement created a sense of safety and belonging. Another woman participant reflected on how the experience challenged her perceptions: “I had many questions and fears before. But now I know that transgender people are kind, emotional, and hardworking. They deserve the same respect that everyone else does.” These shifts in mindset highlighted the power of direct interaction in breaking stereotypes.
For many transgender participants, being recognised as leaders and teammates was deeply meaningful. A transgender team captain shared, “When our team shouted my name in support, I felt recognised. It was a moment of pride. Today, I felt truly accepted.” This recognition reinforced the importance of inclusive spaces where dignity is felt, not just spoken about.
Beyond social bonding, the Hackathon also focused on economic empowerment. Women entrepreneurs and LGBTQIA+ members presented their business ideas, showcasing a wide range of skills and enterprises, including poultry farming, artificial jewellery, creative pots, plumbing, auto repairing, garage services, and other skill-based ventures. Presenting in front of a jury helped participants build confidence and believe in their abilities.
At the end of the event, two women entrepreneurs and one LGBTQIA+ participant were selected to represent their products at the YESummit in February 2026, a national-level platform in Hyderabad. One entrepreneur shared, “This platform gave me courage. Presenting my idea and getting selected has boosted my confidence. I am proud to represent my community.” This recognition validated their efforts and inspired others to dream bigger. The impact of the Inclusive Hackathon was reflected in the confidence, understanding, respect, and friendships formed among participants. Barriers created by fear, misinformation, and lack of interaction were broken naturally. The Hackathon proved that inclusion is not just a concept but a lived experience.
