Queen Casting (QC) is a Art based non profitable volunteer initiative in India which was founded by Negha Shahin and Rizwan Bharathi.[1] [2] [3]
| Queer Casting | |
| Abbreviation: | QC |
| Founder: | Negha Shahin And Rizwan Bharathi |
| Founding Location: | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Purpose: | Advocacy, Media Visibility and Rights for Queer And Trans Individuals, Skill Development |
| Headquarters: | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Region: | India |
Queer Casting was founded by Negha and Rizwan (Trans Couple), a notable queer and transgender activists In Tamil Nadu. Negha Shahin who created history by becoming the first trans woman to win the debut actor award at the 52nd Kerala State Film Awards. Rizwan Bharathi is co - author of Love is Love and [4] [5]
Queer Casting was established to promote inclusivity in the entertainment industry and has been at the forefront of India's trans and queer rights movement. The organization advocates for the rights and awareness of transgender and queer individuals, and enhances their professional experience through various workshops
Negha and Rizwan have been vocal in demanding Media portrayal of LGBT people by developing skill and creating employment in media industry for trans and queer individual. In Mass media in India still tends to follow stereotypical paths, often overlooking the transgender and queer community.[6]
In September 2023, the inaugural QC workshop was successfully completed with participation from over 18 transgender and queer individuals. They gained valuable field knowledge from directors Mysskin and Sasikumar alongside various other directors and actors [7] [8]
In June 2024, observed worldwide as Pride Month, Queer Casting hosted an event called "Pride Palooza" in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This event's organized by a trans couple, featured a keynote of first southern transmen panel discussion in India and the 106th performance of A. Revathi's play "Vellai Mozhi," an award ceremony with several other activities [9] [10]