Reusable Menstrual Cups To Inclusive Hiring: Presenting Queer Made

Every menstruator who uses sanitary napkins is likely to produce at least 150kg of plastic waste. So, switch! To what? Introducing Boondh, a Bangalore-based menstrual health organisation led by Sonal Jain, that offers reusable period products such as menstrual cups and cloth pads. These products are environment-friendly and pocket-friendly, which is a win-win. And not only does this help the environment, and you, but also menstruators in economically disadvantaged situations if you purchase from their Two-gether program. For every purchase you make, a reusable menstrual product along with an informative session is provided to a beneficiary who wants it (from Leh to Kerala and Lucknow to Nagaland). A cause we can all get behind.

Next on our list is a community space based in Ahmedabad known as QueerAbad. Founded by Shamini Kothari and Anahita S, it provides a safe space for queer folks to be inquisitive and ask questions about the law, family and sexual expressions. It started as a response to the lack of a community-oriented safe space that the founders could not find when they wanted to explore and understand their own identities. It is also a space for people who are allies but who may not know much about the community, to learn more. They also publish Tilt: A Queer Zine, a magazine that shines the spotlight on South Asian artists, their experiences and viewpoints, to ensure they become a part of mainstream conversations.

A unique name with a unique goal, Push Up Daisies, founded by Saachi, is an independent magazine and online platform that talks about death and beyond. A platform that features art, interviews, photography, writing and research by folks, from all over the world, to destigmatize the morbid topic of death. It’s intriguing if you are not comfortable talking about death otherwise.  They also host a podcast, Bite The Dust, that is a lighter take on death to ease folks into the conversation.

Recruitment is a tricky area. It is not always inclusive and has way too many layers. Enter 6 Degrees, a marketing and recruitment agency that aims to break the stereotypes of ‘ideal employees’. It connects people from all walks of life and acts as the bridge between them and companies that are looking to hire. To make this process more holistic, they also conduct sensitivity training with corporates and companies to break the ever present stereotype of hiring a certain class/caste/gender of people. Inclusivity for the win!

Whether it’s menstrual awareness, breaking recruitment stereotypes or providing safe space for the queer community, check them out, support them and give them a shoutout!