Decriminalising same-sex partnerships and acknowledging transgender individuals as a third gender are just two of the major LGBTQIA+ rights advancements India has made in recent years. Many LGBTQIA+ people in India, however, continue to experience prejudice and lack of access to quality healthcare, especially when it comes to care that is gender affirming.
There are organisations across that strive to offer vital resources and support to LGBTQIA+ people seeking gender affirming care. To ensure the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people embracing their authentic selves, they offer compassionate, all-encompassing treatment that includes social, emotional, and medical assistance. The following organisations support equality and inclusion in healthcare:
The Humsafar Trust
In 1994, three gay men in Mumbai formed the first community-based organisation for LGBTQ+ individuals in India, the Humsafar Trust (HST). It is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ organisations in India. They offer a range of healthcare services, such as educating the public about the dangers of HIV, STIs, OIs, other comorbid diseases, and mental health concerns. Additionally, they offer parents and other loved ones of LGBTQ+ people training modules pertaining to healthcare.
At its drop-in centre, the Trust began by inviting self-identified gay and lesbian people, as well as transgender individuals, to its programs on Fridays. The Humsafar Trust's HIV interventions, which are funded by the Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), offer health services to transgender communities and men who have sex with men annually through its in-house clinics and public and private health care delivery systems.
Naz India Foundation
This non-governmental organisation works to address HIV/AIDS and other health inequalities that affect marginalised and LGBTQIA+ communities. They seek to help those living with HIV/AIDS, encourage prevention, and push for legislative changes that safeguard the rights and welfare of those impacted in order to build a more just and inclusive society. They provide LGBTQIA+ people with advocacy, support and therapy, as well as access to gender-affirming medical care.
By concentrating on advocacy, Naz was able to successfully challenge Section 377 of the Indian penal code, an outdated provision that made homosexuality a crime. Naz's years of dedicated HIV prevention work made it abundantly evident that young women and teenage girls were among the most susceptible to HIV infection. As a result, Naz launched a program in 2006 to empower young women and teenage girls from economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods via sport and life skills. Naz has focused its efforts on the themes of gender, rights, and health (including HIV and sexuality) over the years.
Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust (TWEET)
Based in Delhi, Tweet India is a non-profit group that promotes the welfare and rights of transgender people. The Tweet India Foundation operates a shelter home in Mumbai called Garima Greh, which was established as a pilot project by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to help transgender people live lives that are marked by respect and dignity. Additionally, Tweet India provides support services through the Garima Greh scheme, including access to legal aid and gender-affirming healthcare.
It was founded in 2015 by seven trans activists to support the nascent trans movement, particularly the transmen group, which has been heavily marginalised and experiences severe gender-based violence. The TWEET Foundation strives to give young trans men and trans women vital help, including crisis intervention, brief shelter stays, legal and medical assistance, skill development, and inclusive job opportunities.
Sahodari Foundation
This Indian non-governmental organisation advocates for the rights, welfare, and self-determination of transgender people. The nonprofit, which was started by transgender rights campaigner Kalki Subramaniam, is dedicated to advancing social inclusion, offering support services, and fighting for transgender rights. The Foundation focusses on matters that impact the marginalised transgender population, such as skill and education possibilities, entrepreneurship, livelihood options, workplace inclusion, art practice, and climate change.
Mitr Trust
The Mitr Trust is a non-profit company dedicated to helping the LGBTQIA+ community by offering mental health support, housing, healthcare services, counselling, and community building opportunities. Under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's (MoSJE) pilot program, Mitr Trust operates Garima Greh, a shelter home dedicated to providing transgender people with secure housing as well as basic services like food, medical care, and recreational amenities. Mitr Trust works to safeguard the rights of transgender people and the welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community by operating under the Garima Greh Scheme.
Image source: Google, TweetIndia, TWImg