A List Of LGBTQ+- Friendly Support Groups And Organisations In India That You Can Turn To
We might be in a pandemic right now, with lives of lakhs in our country compromised as a certain virus looms large and forces us to retreat in our homes, but we live in times where freedom might come at a cost of survival itself. But this life of restraint that we call our ‘new normal’, is in fact not something all of us have been alien to. Because if you really do try to think about it, this way of living is exactly how LGBTQ+ people have been forced to live like for the past decades, spending better part of their lives hiding in closets, scared to come out and face the discriminating wrath of people.
We’re a country that has only recently decriminalised article 377, making sex that was considered ‘unnatural’ not a crime, but the stigma of not being ‘regular’ endures. Despite having taken a bold step into the direction of progress as some may call it, homophobia is still rampant, often sugar-coated but always commented upon. Often misinterpreted, bullied and discriminated, our world doesn’t make it easy for people to be and embrace who they really are, especially when you don’t love who they say you should love.
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But if there is anyone who does make it easy, and vows to offer not just support but a reason to fight their fight are these organisations and support groups that have come across as a godsend for people from the LGBTQ+ community. With their vision strong and indefatigable spirit to embolden the community, we have a list of 5 organisations that have been working relentlessly to make this world a little more accepting.
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Nazariya
A resource group based out of Delhi and formed in 2014, this group has been at the forefront of working towards issues that concern lesbian, bisexual and trans people. With people who are enthusiastic and always willing to lend a helping hand, they organise several workshops, seminars, film screenings and more to help raise awareness about the cause. Their helpline number is 9818151707, that allows people to confide and reach out, if needed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8zbzCdJNQN/
The Bi-Collective
A voluntary support group that helps in spreading awareness and issuing knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community, they believe in lending a hand and distributing information. From providing information portals to addressing queries, the Bi-collective also hosts meetings that allow queer people to reach out and express their feelings in a safe space. You could always reach out to them through their Facebook page.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BndmMm1gwyK/
Queerala
An organisation that was formed by the people of Keralato support the queer community, Queerala is a support group that offers to help those who support the cause and also do as much as they can to make a difference. With active participation, discussions that take on strong and important topics of exploring and accepting one’s sexual identity, this group is really making a mark in being the kind of a backbone we need to further the cause of the LGBTQ+ people.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBNISCzFN2q/
Humsafar Trust
Another NGO that has been working towards advocating the rights for the queer community, this trust offers a lot of support to individuals who are looking for awareness or even a sense of belonging. With a medium to provide all sorts of aid from emotional, legal to psychological help, this trust is a good place to put your trust in. Their helpline number is – 011-46016699.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_R8LPmlnru/
Naz Foundation
A foundation that is working towards a lot of causes from AIDS to sex -related issues, and is also very proactive in fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. With its members spread all across the community, this foundation runs on the initiative and will of strong people who wish to contribute into making the world a more endearing and compassionate place.
