Beyond Barriers: Queer Voices in Health & Rights (movie, talk & activity)

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking session with Pushpa Joshi, our 8th Social Innovator in Residence at DESIS Lab @Nova SBE from the ERA Chair in Social Innovation. This special event, co-organized with the NOVA SBE Pride Association Student Club, brings global queer experiences into conversation with local realities.

Pushpa Joshi is a remarkable social researcher and advocate working at the intersection of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and LGBTI+ issues in Nepal. Her groundbreaking work includes leading the research project "Queering Access", which explores the experiences of queer people navigating Nepal's SRHR landscape, and directing a powerful documentary on the menstruation-related experiences of trans men in Nepal.

What to Expect:

Exclusive Documentary ScreeningWatch Pushpa's recent short documentary on the menstruation-related experiences of trans men in Nepal - a powerful piece that challenges conventional narratives and brings visibility to underrepresented voices.

Facilitated ConversationEngage in an open dialogue co-facilitated by Pushpa Joshi and members of the NOVA SBE Pride Association Student Club. Explore:

• Key insights from Pushpa's research and storytelling work
• Challenges and approaches to inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
• Global perspectives on queer activism and lived experiences
• Intersections between LGBTI+ rights and healthcare access

Interactive WorkshopParticipate in a hands-on activity designed by Pushpa, connecting the themes explored in the documentary to broader topics of social innovation, advocacy, and inclusive design.

About Our Social Innovator in Residence & Speaker

Pushpa Joshi is a young activist from Nepal with over a decade of experience advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), adolescent sexuality, and gender equality. She co-founded YoSHAN (Youth-led SRHR Advocacy Nepal), where she leads youth-centered, feminist initiatives.

An experienced educator, Pushpa has trained healthcare providers on rights-based SRHR services, supported teachers in delivering human rights-based sexuality education, and empowered thousands of young people in advocacy and movement building. Her work emphasizes structural reform, intersectionality, and creating inclusive spaces, especially for marginalized communities.

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Gender Studies, she also uses photography and filmmaking to amplify gender justice and lived experiences.

About the Organizers

DESIS Lab @Nova SBE from the ERA Chair in Social Innovation is a design research lab focused on social innovation and sustainability. Through our Social Innovator in Residence program, we bring inspiring changemakers to our campus to share their work, spark meaningful dialogue, and build connections with our students, faculty, and broader community.

NOVA SBE Pride Association Student Club is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Nova SBE community, with a special focus on LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. https://novaprideassociation.wordpress.com/

Who Should Attend

This event is perfect for:

• Students, faculty, and staff interested in LGBTI+ issues and social justice
• Researchers working on gender, sexuality, and health topics
• Social innovators and activists
• Anyone curious about global perspectives on queer rights and advocacy
• Members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community

Important Information

• Language: English with Portuguese Q&A support available
• Accessibility: Venue is wheelchair accessible
• Capacity Limited: Early registration recommended

Contact Information

For questions about this event, please contact:

• DESIS Lab: erachair@novasbe.pt