The Hernandes Varadaraj Foundation, which was established in October this year, is the sum of many years of dedication to the LGBTQ and marginalized communities by Antonio Hernandez and his partner, Sridhar Varadaraj. Now, the foundation, aims to enable marginalized individuals through education, job creation and advocacy. The launch of the foundation, coincides with another first, Queering Life with Zago, a celebration of queer artistes from around the country.
Described as a "more intimate version of a Ted Talk," Zago, a startup for healthy living, was founded by Sridhar Varadaraj, who says "There are those who choose to stay true to themselves, even if that means taking the more difficult option." Members of the queer community in India, will come together on Saturday evening to describe their own journeys and how the act of staying true to oneself has helped change society and inspire other troubled youths as well.
Rumi Harish, now a prominent name in the fight for marginalized rights, is a Hindustani classical singer as well as an advocate for his trans-community. There's also poet-activist Rohini Malur, Raphael Emileenaa, a singer, Masoom Parmar, an 'out-and-proud' Bharatanatyam dancer and Jason Arlande, a celebrity make-up artist from Mumbai who are part of the lineup.
Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Sridhar Vardaraj, burly and bearded, riding around the city on a Harley Davidson, loves fitness, is an engineering graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. To Varadaraj and his partner and designer Antonio, known for clothing line, Saints and Sinners, the foundation is also a celebration of their love for each other and a concerted effort to bring their individual activism together for the greater good.
What: Queering Life with Zago
When: November 3
Where: Barleyz, Kormangala
