How do we hold each other across cultures, across time, and across space, and across our genders? Where is the space for men to be held in tenderness, for trans and queer people to search for communities, and for spaces in which to reflect and recharge?
This special programme is a collaboration between the UK Asian Film Festival, Queer Asia, and Queer East, and brings together three films from India, Malaysia, and Indonesia with expert LGBTQ+ therapy practitioners, academics, and organisational professionals to engage with the complexity of mental health amongst queer Asian communities.
This special programme offers the space for a deep reflective conversation on mental health amongst queer Asian communities. Audiences are invited to watch, listen, and participate alongside one another in building a space for a deep conversation on queer mental health. Audiences are invited to stay on for a fundraising mixer after the programme raising support for MANTIS Collective working to support trans and queer communities.
Panel speakers: Prof. Doyin Atewologun (Delta Alpha Psi), Prof. Dinesh Bhugra CBE (King’s College London), Sanjay Kumar (Head of Conselling Services, NAZ Foundation). Conversation moderated by: Ilina Logani (Institute of Fiscal Studies).
Curatorial Team: Dr. J. Daniel Luther, Ragil Huda, Yi Wang, Dr. Jo Hemlatha, Ilina Logani, with special thanks to Dr Eva C-Y Li.
Location: King’s College London, Bush House (Room – SE 1.05), 30 Aldwych, London – WC2B 4BG
7th May 2026, 6pm onwards
Short Films
The Pact (2026), Dir. Lakshmi Iyer
Returning to Pune to sell his late father’s home, Raghav uncovers forgotten memories that reveal their fraught yet loving relationship.
Heels to Heal (2024), Dir. Justice Khor
A musical documentary celebrating Malaysian queer resilience as three local drag queens heal deep wounds through what they do best—heels, makeup, music, and dance.
My Therapist Said, I am Full of Sadness (2024), Dir Monica Tedja
Monica, a filmmaker based in Berlin, ponders the question of being fully accepted and loved by their biological and chosen queer family.