By News Karnataka
Mangaluru 鈥 Academic institutions along Karnataka鈥檚 coastal belt are taking meaningful strides toward LGBTQ+ inclusion, embracing diversity with growing awareness and institutional support.
From forming dedicated LGBTQ+ groups to organizing Pride Month events and promoting research, colleges are actively creating more welcoming spaces for queer individuals鈥攂oth socially and academically.
Dr Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, acknowledged the shift: 鈥淥ur campus and student council are LGBTQ-supportive. While representation is currently low, we鈥檙e prepared to help form a dedicated group.鈥
At Roshni Nilaya鈥檚 School of Social Work, LGBTQ+ inclusivity is already well-rooted. Professor Sandra Sunitha Lobo noted, 鈥淪tudents can openly express their identity and support others coming out. We do, however, encourage them to be mindful of peers who may be unaware or sensitive about these topics.鈥
Beyond awareness, institutions are promoting LGBTQ-focused academic research. Dr B Reshmi, Associate Dean at Manipal College of Health Professions, shared that two funded studies are currently underway鈥攁ddressing healthcare accessibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and evaluating how medical professionals can better approach queer patients.
A postgraduate LGBTQ+ student from a college near Derlakatte shared a personal perspective: 鈥淚n my seven years here, I鈥檝e seen people grow more accepting. Social media and peer conversations have helped break old stereotypes, especially among the younger generation.鈥
As inclusion becomes part of campus culture, educational institutions are not just accepting the LGBTQ+ community鈥攖hey are helping lead the conversation.