OUR LGBTQ MOVEMENT

Empowering the Community

Founded in 2023 by Ishnoor Singh, SoulSpectrum is a dynamic, youth-led initiative committed to building a better future by raising awareness and fostering acceptance for the transgender community. By empowering trans individuals to set-up or revive their businesses, we work to dismantle the economic barriers they face, equipping them with tools to overcome financial challenges. SoulSpectrum is driven by a vision to promote financial independence and create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Join Us

THE PROBLEM

The LGBTQIA+ community, particularly the transgender population, faces a lot of stigma and societal taboos, with people being indifferent and naïve towards their experiences. Consequently, this puts them at an extreme disadvantage wherein they are not given sufficient opportunities to grow and succeed and not only be known for their gender identity. As per the Census of 2011 and several researchers, the transgender population in India is a marginalized group of society and has created their own way of developing their community. As per the national census data, this community has low literacy levels. Around 43% of transgender people are literate, compared to the 74% literacy rate in the general population. Poverty and economic exclusion have led to livelihood deprivation and prevented access to healthcare facilities. Adding to these, gender discrimination in the community, particularly at the hospitals, is bringing their morale down. Because of this, about 20% of the transgender community has specific healthcare needs that are not being met (Chettair, 2015; Khan, 2009)

OUR STORY

Message from the founder

The idea of SoulSpectrum was born back in April of 2023 when I observed that no one was really talking in-depth about the hardships and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and that it was only a “Pride Month Trend”!

What initially started as a platform to raise awareness around the LGBTQIA+ soon transformed into a social initiative that wanted to bring a genuine change to the mentality of people. SoulSpectrum now aims to dismantle the barriers faced by the LGBTQIA community, especially the transgenders, by providing them with tools to navigate through economic challenges. Upon talking at a ground level with several transgenders, I realized the extent of the struggle that they experience even in carrying out their basic day-to-day activities and how going to public places such as hospitals is still a daunting task for many of them. It was after these initial conversations that I realized that these very dedicated individuals genuinely want to contribute to the society but it is the same society that is holding them back from doing so. It was then that I decided that apart from serving the community by organizing fundraisers, health checkup and awareness camps, SoulSpectrum’s primary motive should be to help them contribute meaningfully to the society and become financially independent.