India has made great progress in relation to the recognition and acceptance of the Queer people and a good portion of this progress has stemmed from the development of Queer specific community centers. Such centers also ensure that anyone facing such challenges obtain support, and feel that they belong. Given social expectations of the society, it is not easy for the gay community in most cases to express their identity and this is where Gay and Lesbian Centers come in.
Be it psycho-social help or outreach programs to marginalised sections, the space of LGBTQ+ centres in India is continuing to offer any and every service needed for the community. In this blog, let’s take a look at the most popular LGBTQA+ community bases in India where everyone can be themselves without fear of prejudice.
The Humsafar Trust is one of the premier organizations for the sexual minorities in the country and is located in Mumbai. The company started in 1994, and it has always been working towards the social and mental health of the society. Some of the services offered are peer support and counseling groups, HIV services, legal service, and services for lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
Furthermore, the trust runs several awareness creating activities, social events, and pride events. It also has a comprehensive helpline for the gay and lesbians and other individuals that needs advice on issues to do with coming out, dating, health and other related concerns. The resource center in Humsafar Trust which is a very important part of their functioning focuses on safety and strength of the LGBTQ+ population.
The Naz Foundation situated in Delhi went on further and worked for the rights of the lesbian gay bisexual and transsexual individuals since its establishment, the organisation has been one of the leading supporters of the homosexual rights movement in India. From initially established as an organization targeting HIV/AIDS counseling and education, Naz has broadened its scope to embrace human rights for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals, outreach, and counseling. The main goal is sent in fighting discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and the quest for equality.
The support systems provided by this foundation are as diverse as basic civil rights, access to legal representation, and counseling to peer support groups. They also perform sensitization workshops in schools, workplaces, and other institutions with individuals to increase understanding of the life of the LGBTQ+ people. Such endeavours help the Naz Foundation remain a flagship for equal opportunities amongst gay and bisexual people in Delhi and other regions.
Queerabad is an organization situated in Hyderabad that seek to create a platform for the LGBTQ+ people. Created in 2017, Queerabad and aims to assist people experiencing anxiety and/or depression from their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
The services provided include psychological treatment, support group, and advocates to pass information concerning the LGBTA. For instance, questions Queerabad’s main aims are to fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and they convene regaling parties and events to build a fellowship of the people of Hyderabad who are of that community and orientation.
In Bengaluru, The Bangalore Pride and Support Group is another important support organization of the sexual minorities who want to help people come to terms with their sexuality and/or gender. Established in 1999 the center provides immediate services of counseling, peer support and legal aid to Discriminated and abused lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual individuals.
It is also involved in Embrace the Cities gay pride parade and other activities that seek to create awareness and acceptence of the gay and lesbian community. The center is majorly formed for people with a desire to engage with other individuals and have an acceptance of their stands in society without stigma.
Sahodaran, another Tamil Nadu based organization, also involves itself actively in the interest of Indian gay community. Sahodaran founded in 2001 to provide support for the sexual minorities in Tamil Nadu. The services include but are not limited to; HIV/AIDS awareness, counseling, peer support, and safety for people of color who are coming out or facing prejudice.
The organization also takes participation in legal lobbying, tackling matters such as the legalisation of homosexuality and the right to employment of the members of the gay community. Consequently, Sahodaran has emerged as a public platform for queer activist voices in South India.
Friends of the family (FoF) in Kolkata is accepting and working for the community for more than two decades. It is a Kolkata-based organisation that offers important services including counseling, peer support, education and HIV prevention. FoF works to increase the understanding of disabled people and their rights to equal treatment through awareness campaigns that targets schools, workplaces and the general public.
It also useful to note that the focus on family support is also present, for those who struggle with how relatives treat them, or don’t understand their orientation or gender identity.
Lakshya Trust is a community-based organization situated in Surat, Gujarat predominantly focuses on improving the quality of lives ofsexual minorities. The center renders emotional and mental health services, legal assistance and other advocacy services of anti discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity.
Lakshya Trust’s flagship program is its community mobilization efforts to create awareness and distribute educative materials to the people. By these activities, the center aims at making the society in Gujarat accommodate the members of the LGBTQ+ population more embraces them.
The Queer Collective in Pune is the only organisation which protects gay people by offering support groups, legal help and parties to provoked the queer culture. They also arrange social parties, meetings, workshops,Invite educations events that are of common interest and are available for the people of the community which is very useful for them for expression.
The collective is involved in efforts to promote the rights of the sexual minorities, and in raising awareness on equality, justice, tolerance and non-recognition of discrimination against or violence on the basis of sexual orientation.
Conclusion
As envisioned sexually diverse centers across India are fulfilling a distinct function of empowering queer individuals and groups. These centers create places where people can find others, get the necessary materials and finally get the emotional and psychological support to have the quality of living in line with their gender.
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