Thank you to all the people who took part in the Open Mind (ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹੇ ਮਨ) workshop on the 10th of April 2019 or filled in the accompanying survey. The aim of the workshop was to find out if we need a safe space for Sikh LGBTQ+ people to meet and support each other. It was […]
Dear brothers and sisters Sikhism is an all-encompassing religion based upon the fundamental principle of equality. Sikhism does not speak against homosexuality. There is nothing in the holy scriptures that states that marriage must be between a man and a woman. Furthermore, discriminating against people or groups, including the gay community, would be going against […]
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Sarbat and Taraki workshop – Scoping
Life or work can sometimes fail to provide an open space for those experiencing challenges and difficulties. We would like to help LGBT South Asians discuss some unique challenges they may face within their communities in an informal and relaxed setting. Sarbat Sikh LGBT and Taraki are working in partnership to provide a regular space […]
Sarbat carried out an online survey inviting responses from it’s immediate membership as well as the wider Sikh community. We had over 120 responses which have been condensed to form this note. The findings discussed in this note will direct the way Sarbat, as a Sikh LGBT support group, will serve the community it represents […]
The biggest news in the LGBT sphere so far this year has been the Indian Supreme Court partially striking down Section 377 on the 6th of September. This ruling essentially decriminalises gay sex between adults. Sarbat finds this of historic significance. One fifth of mankind has rightfully been told that consensual sex between two adults […]
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A new year message from Sarbat
Dear members and friends 2017 has been an eventful year for many and we anticipate 2018 to offer opportunities just as profound. Sarbat’s journey since 2007 has been just as eventful, starting as an online forum for LGBT Sikhs, the group now has a wide global reach which encompasses the diversity of the Sikh […]
From April 2017, All future events taking place in the UK will be advertised on Eventbrite. This platform offers tremendous ease of use and clarity in organising and managing all sorts of events. Future and past events can now be accessed from using the link below. Hope to see you at one in the future. […]
Come and join us for our first meet and greet event of 2017 at the Victoria and Albert in London. Lockwood Kipling: Arts and Crafts in the Punjab and London – This free exhibition explores the life, work and lasting impact of John Lockwood Kipling (1837 – 1911), an artist, writer, museum director, teacher, conservationist […]
An open letter This open letter is in response to a submission by the National Sikh Council of Australia Inc in response to the Select Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill supported by Bawa Singh Jagdev, Secretary. The overwhelming principle of Sikhism is to consider all of human race as […]
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Our October meetup in Birmingham
Saran talks about our recent #ComeTogetherInBirmingham meetup event that took place on the 2nd of October 2016. We came together in Birmingham for our October meetup, the first LGBT+ event organised by a Sikh Darbaar. There were four of us, representing North American, British Asian and Northern European cultures. There was an instant feeling of friendship, […]
We are proud to finally announce our monthly meetups in Birmingham taking place on the first Sunday of every month. Please come, meet like minded people, share stories and make new friends in a safe & accepting spiritual space. Sunday 6th of November 2016 Sunday 4th of December 2016 Sunday 1st of January 2017 Sunday […]
Sarbat is back after our warm summer break with a return to Birmingham. We’re gathering together for tea and snack on Sunday 2nd of October at 1pm. The venue is Mata Tripta Darbar, housed within the Northside Welcome Centre, 176A Streetly Road, Birmingham, B23 7AL. This is a safe space for all genders and sexualities to come […]
Testimony from the organiser – This summer, Sarbat held its first ever Lesbian picnic in the beautiful surrounds of London’s Regents Park. A truly memorable day, bringing together wonderful Sikh Lesbians, from far corners of the UK. It was fascinating to meet such accomplished Sikh Ladies, each with a unique experience of being a […]
Towards Marg is an exhibition exploring South Asian LGBT identities in the UK’s political and cultural scenes. Sarbat has arranged a special talk by curator Niranjan Kamatkar, Artistic Director at Wise Thoughts. Towards Marg (part of the Alchemy Festival 2016) features the photographic work of artists Charan Singh, Raisa Kabir, Balbir Krishan and Sushil Mangaonkar. ‘Marg’ is Sanskrit […]
After a fantastic Spring Walk and Talk event, we are proud to organise our exclusive Sarbat Lesbian coffee social. A friendly and relaxed event to meet other like minded lesbians. Far too often issues pertaining to our lesbian sisters are overlooked – Sarbat wants to change that. Our next coffee social is on Sunday, 1st of […]
Dear friends (Note New Time) What better way to welcome spring than a long walk and talk – The historic path connecting the Windsor Castle Grounds to the Copper Horse and the Deer Garden. On Sunday the 24th of April 2016 – We are meeting at Esquires Coffee shop at 12 noon for a prompt start at 1230 pm. The […]
Angie sent us the following message recently – I’m 18 years old soon, I’m in a relationship with someone I know I want to spend my life with, we are very committed to each other. My parents and family is very strict with how I should live my life and who I should be but […]
We were recently asked to provide a Sikh perspective on tolerance, respect and diversity to be used for UK Schools. Kam, one of our facilitators provided the following. What does your faith say about ideas such as tolerance, respect, diversity? Sikhs believe in one God. For all people of all religions. The central tenet of Sikhism […]
While the more conservative-minded, reactionary elements within the Sikh community express their disgust towards homosexuality, Sikh scriptures are decidedly neutral on the matter as they do not entail explicit references either condemning it or condoning it .
Sarbat is joining forces with Leicester based LGB&T health charity Trade on Sunday 2nd August 2015 2-4 pm for our Health and Wellbeing event. We are very fortunate to be joined in by Rusi Jaspal, professor of Psychology and Sexual Health at De Montfort University, who will be delivering a talk on the specific mental […]