Help Indian asexuals present research in Prague!

Who are we?

Hi! I'm Dr. Pragati Singh. I'm a medical doctor by qualification, who cares deeply for mental health and sexual health, two of the most taboo subjects in India.  

I've been working on asexuality, by myself for a long time now. Our most recent interview was published in dna on the topic of this very fundraiser: DNA Indian Aces. 

What's this about?   

A survey conducted by me helps highlight some important points on what asexuality is and isn't. The findings help disprove some of the biggest myths about asexuality, and makes a case for it as a legitimate orientation.

The research paper has been selected for presentation and publication at the largest congress of sexologists happening in Prague very soon, and will be the best platform for presenting a study on asexuality and making it heard! Find us here:  List of presenters
(Ctr+F: Pragati)

Why is it important or worthy? 

Presenting a research validating asexuality as an orientation in a hall full of sexologists, doctors, and psychologists will set a precedent and at least get the ball rolling, make these professionals think longer the next time they see a patient who might be asexual.  

And through this campaign, if I'm able to make a few people google 'asexuality' and read up about it, that's already a step towards generating awareness.

What efforts have we put in from our end?

So far I've worked for the cause completely on my own, from my own effort, skills, energy and time. None of my work is compensated for, nobody is paying me for this research or the community building. In fact I've also payed for all small and big costs from printing flyers to traveling to be able to represent out of my own savings.
Indian Aces

What help do we need? 

This cost, to go to the conference, however is so far the biggest. I need 1.5 lac to be able to go to the conference and present my study. This includes
Return flight fare: 53,000 
Date change fee: 13,000
Hostel dorm bed accommodation: 11,000
Everyday subsistence costs: 16,000
Conference registration +  workshop fee: 25, 250 (after discount from organizers)
Poster printing and transport charges: 2,500
Visa fee: 5300
Ground transport costs: 8,000
Misc costs: 4,000

I would be able to not only present my study but also learn and imbibe new knowledge which I will happily incorporate into my activism and workshops.

Why does this need to be crowdfunded?

Because this is not MY personal project, this isn't MY hobby, not even just MY cause, this isn't MY fight, this is OUR cause for a community. This is your cause.

You could be asexual yourself, or be an ally to other asexuals, or a sexologist, a psychologist with interest in the subject, or an LGBTQIA+ folk, or a human rights activist, or a decent human being who wishes, just like I do, to help empower people to know they don't have to be coerced into sex if they don't want it!

Remember, you don't have to be a direct beneficiary of a cause to want to support it. Help me help people. Save me from a burnout from working for the cause single-handedly. I ask you not only to contribute generously and enable me to continue working, but also to spread this campaign far and wide.  

What's in it for you?

You will have live updates from the conference available to you! 

I've tried to list some cool rewards too, but remember, I'm flexible with the rewards, so if you think you'd rather prefer to receive learnings from the conference, or notes from a talk, pictures of something specific, video clips from the conference etc., please do let me know! I'm at IndianAcesFTW@gmail.com

If I get over-funded, all the extra money will go into future meetups and activities, as well as creating a website for the community! 

Here's a quick update