India’s first silent queer love story, Sisak (pictured), which has won 43 international awards, was screened at the inaugural British Asian LGBTI event this weekend at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The one-day conference attracted activists from across the UK to discuss and debate issues affecting LGBT+ people from minority backgrounds.

"Are we ready as a South Asian community to talk about issues that affect us like mental health, sexuality, sexual health and domestic violence?" asked co-organiser Khakan Qureshi as he opened the event and welcomed participants.

Qureshi founded Birmingham South Asians LGBT - Finding A Voice, a multi-faith support group for men and women aged 18+. He organised the event in collaboration with Siddhi Joshi, editor of British Asian LGBTI, a Facebook support group.

He told Barfi Culture the aim was to open dialogue on issues including mental health, sexual health, women's health, HIV/AIDS, religion, Human Rights and Section 377 (a law that effectively outlaws homosexuality in India).

"I think it is important that we have these discussions and continue to do as more people are still struggling coming to terms with their identities, sexual orientations and gender," he said.

"I hope that the more we can speak openly about LGBT+ issues, the feelings many of us have experienced and continue to feel, such as isolation, discrimination, persecution and oppression due to cultural, religious and familial pressure is alleviated, and hopefully, is one day, stopped altogether."

He said the aim of the conference was also to "break the silence and taboos of South Asian culture" and "highlight the contributions of pioneers, activists and campaigners who are LGBT or allies, who are comfortable and secure enough in their own skin".

While there are LGBT+ organisations in Britain that primarily focus on minorities, many are aligned on religious lines (i.e. Imaan or Sarbat Sikhs). This conference plans to bring South Asians from across different communities.

Participants were treated to the first British screening of Sisak, which was made in 2017 and is written and directed by Faraz Arif Ansari.

Along with other talks, presentations and debates, visitors also had a video call with India's only openly-gay Maharaja, Manvendra Singh Gohil, who talked about the gay rights activism he does in India.

Organisers hope to make the British Asian LGBTI conference an annual event.

Some tweets from the conference

@stonewalluk #SouthAsianLGBTQI #Gaysians #SALGBTUK #ComeOutForLGBT pic.twitter.com/Ly9UscXYn4

— Reg Kheraj (@r_Kheraj) July 28, 2018

An interesting observation by @ProfRJaspal about the perceptions of homosexuality among South Asian parents. #southasianlgbti #Gaysians #SALGBTUK pic.twitter.com/7D5yDaNNrv

— Surabhi R (@surabhiii) July 28, 2018

So today I spoke about a number of case studies collated through @cystersgroup about #SouthAsianLGBTQI #SALGBTUK and in particular women's treatment by #hcp - So for those who didn't hear let me go though these again. As these women need a voice too.. pic.twitter.com/quxDfuQMLk

— Neelam Heera 🎗 (@neelamheera) July 28, 2018

Was at the #SouthAsianLGBTQI conference @qehbham yesterday, well done to @KhakanQureshi for putting on such a great day with amazing line up of speakers to discuss a range of important topics

Then ended the day at a drag queen because why not ...#LGBTQ #southasian #Birmingham pic.twitter.com/kYFG60aAH8

— Mani Hayre (@ManisMadness) July 29, 2018

It was an enormous pleasure to attend the extremely impactful #SouthAsianLGBTI Conference & to present a paper on identity & wellbeing in this community. I sincerely hope that @KhakanQureshi & his colleagues will organise another conference next year. #SALGBTUK

— Rusi Jaspal (@ProfRJaspal) July 28, 2018

Deeply, deeply moved by the story of @nazandmatt & how unfounded religious homophobia got in the way of unconditional love. Their story shows just how important it is that we challenge homophobia in all its forms #SouthAsianLGBTQI #SALGBTUK

— Rusi Jaspal (@ProfRJaspal) July 28, 2018

Emotional & strong testimony by Stefan Sarwat Fatima about Faith & Family
'Non one should be punished because the sexual orientation. '#MentalHealthMatters #LGBTI #family #Faith #counselling #SouthAsianLGBTQI #gaysians #SALLGBTUK @AmnestyUK_LGBTI pic.twitter.com/mLGPRHaujO

— Milton Sattler (@MiltonSattler) July 28, 2018

@ProfRJaspal discusses #religious perspectives on #homosexuality. Despite often being used as a way to criticise homosexuality, some scriptures don't take a stance! #SouthAsianLGBTQI#gaysians #SALGBTUK @brumasianslgbt @qehbham pic.twitter.com/FKeREti74M

— Gaysians UK (@gaysians_uk) July 28, 2018

Good to see @UKBlackPride @gaysians_UK @StonewallUK @ImaanLGBTQ @DiversityRM @NazProjectLdn @nazandmatt @QEHBham @NHSEngland at inaugural national event for/about #SouthAsian #LGBT + community. Fantastic programme with powerhouse speakers. Thanks @KhakanQureshi #Inclusion matters pic.twitter.com/hBnojKdzvz

— Pav Akhtar (@pav_akhtar) July 28, 2018