THF Dialogues
Gender Dialogues in the Himalayas: The Role of Institution, Society and the Arts
A conversation with Avinam Manger, Davidson Kumam, Rosy Chamling, Sawang Wangchha and Shiva Pathak
Moderated by Lobsang Norbu Bhutia
Friday, 31st July 2026
10:30AM | At Cauvery Hall, 5th Mile, Sikkim University, Gangtok and on Zoom
Register for the online talk here.
This iteration of THF Dialogues in Sikkim brings together speakers from across the region for a series of presentations, conversations and discussion reflecting on the many lives, embodiments and temporalities of gender across the Himalayan region.
Bios:
Avinam Manger is a scholar, artist and educator working on indigeneity, gendered narratives, and identity through folk tales, poetry and storytelling that amplify the voices of marginalized communities, especially those of women and LGBTQIA+ communities in Sikkim.
Davidson Kumam has extensive experience in transformative queer activism, community work, research, writing and is the founder of Matai Society (2020), a women, queer and trans-led organisation in Moirang, Manipur.
Rosy Chamling is a Professor and Dean of the Department of English, Sikkim University, Gangtok. Recent publications include Folktales from Sikkim, Children’s Tales from Sikkim and the upcoming Folksongs from Sikkim.
Sawang Wangchha is a graphic designer, illustrator, queer rights activist and the founder of AP QueerStation, an LGBTQIA+ collective in Arunachal Pradesh advancing safer, inclusive communities through advocacy, mental health support, and storytelling.
Shiva Pathak is a multidisciplinary arts professional and co-founder of Sandbox Collective (2013), a women-led organisation working at the intersection of art and gender where she has worked in diverse capacities. She also teaches theatre at St. Joseph’s College.
Lobsang Norbu Bhutia (Moderator) is a doctoral student of Sociology at JNU. His research revolves around Urban Studies, Sociology of Emotions, Race and Sexuality Studies, with a focus on the intersections of identity, migration, and marginality. He is currently based between Sikkim and New Delhi.