Lucknow: EQUICON–2026, a national conference on Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare, concluded successfully at the Kalam Centre, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, stigma-free, and evidence-based healthcare for LGBTQIA+ communities in India.
The conference was organised through a collaborative effort by the Department of Psychiatry, Department of Infectious Diseases, and Department of Plastic Surgery, KGMU, with support from the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) LGBTQIA+ Taskforce and the Association of Clinical Psychiatrists. The event was held in observance of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026, in collaboration with Suramya Life Foundation and SAATHII.
Conducted under the guidance of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Sonia Nityanand, the conference brought together eminent psychiatrists, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, legal experts, and community representatives from across the country.
A pre-conference workshop was organised on 16 May 2026 by the SAATHII team, focusing on Universal Health Access and LGBTQIA+ affirmative healthcare practices. The workshop featured distinguished resource persons including Dr. L. Ramakrishnan, Ms. Randhoni Lairikyengbam, Ms. SwethaShri, Mr. Amit Bisoi, Mr. Fred Rogers, Advocate Kanmani Ray, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, and Dr. K.P. Ranade.
Key sessions addressed SOGIESC fundamentals, minority stress and mental health, inclusive healthcare systems, sexual and reproductive health perspectives, medico-legal considerations, and the evolution of the LGBTQIA+ movement in India. The workshop provided practical sensitisation and capacity-building for healthcare professionals and participants.
The conference was chaired by Dr. Pawan Kumar Gupta, Organising Chairperson of EQUICON–2026. Major scientific sessions were delivered by distinguished experts including Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, and Dr. Swapnjeet Sahu, who discussed celebratory sexuality, healthcare inequities, suicide prevention, and mental health challenges affecting LGBTQIA+ populations.
Important deliberations were also held on gender-affirmative healthcare, inclusive mental healthcare practices, psychosocial challenges, and equitable healthcare accessibility for sexual and gender minority communities.
The conference featured paper and poster presentations by researchers and healthcare professionals from across India, focusing on affirmative psychotherapy, transgender healthcare, stigma reduction, social determinants of health, and innovative community-led interventions.
“The success of EQUICON–2026 marks a significant step in advancing inclusive healthcare discourse in India. By integrating empathy with evidence, healthcare systems can move closer to ensuring dignity, equity, and accessible care for all individuals,” noted the conference steering committee.
The organisers stated that recommendations emerging from the conference would contribute towards strengthening inclusive healthcare policies, medical education, research initiatives, and institutional practices across the country.
During the valedictory session, Dr. Pawan Kumar Gupta expressed gratitude to all speakers, delegates, collaborating organisations, volunteers, and media representatives for contributing to the success of EQUICON–2026 and supporting the movement towards equitable healthcare in India.
