In recent years, India has witnessed a transformative shift towards inclusivity, with numerous organizations and initiatives dedicated to empowering the transgender community. According to the 2011 Census, India is home to nearly 4.9 lakh transgender individuals, and many of them today continue to strive for necessities. The multifaceted efforts of these NGOs encompass a wide range of services, including healthcare access, educational support, skill development, and advocacy for legal rights.
Collaborations between passionate social changemakers and the transgender community have been pivotal in challenging societal norms and fostering acceptance. Through art, literature, and public discourse, these initiatives are not only amplifying transgender voices but also paving the way for a more equitable society. This blog explores the impactful work of these organizations, highlighting their contributions to the ongoing journey toward transgender empowerment in India.
Sahodari Foundation – Sahodari Foundation, founded in 2008 by transgender activist and artist Kalki Subramaniam, is a Tamil Nadu-based organization that focuses on the social and economic empowerment of underprivileged transgender women. The foundation recognizes the severe marginalization faced by transgender individuals in India and works towards creating a more inclusive society. It provides educational support and scholarships to help transgender persons access higher education and vocational training, ensuring that they have opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
A key aspect of Sahodari’s work is the promotion of entrepreneurship through creative skills training, particularly in the fields of art, poetry, and digital media. By encouraging transgender women to explore their creative potential, the foundation not only helps them achieve financial independence but also fosters self-confidence and societal recognition.
People Like Us (PLUS) – People Like Us (PLUS) Kolkata, established in 2003 by the late Agniva Lahiri, is a grassroots organization committed to the upliftment of the transgender population and the broader LGBT community in Eastern India. Recognizing the vulnerabilities faced by transgender individuals, sex workers, and victims of trafficking, PLUS Kolkata has established ‘Prothoma’ shelter homes in Kolkata, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh to provide them with a safe haven. These shelters offer essential support, including healthcare services, skill development programs, and legal aid to help beneficiaries reintegrate into society.
In addition to providing direct assistance, PLUS Kolkata works on community mobilization and policy advocacy to enhance the social acceptance of gender and sexual minorities. The organization collaborates with governmental and non-governmental entities to implement awareness campaigns, ensuring that the rights and needs of the transgender community are recognized and addressed at institutional levels.
Humsafar Trust – Humsafar Trust, founded in 1994 in Mumbai, is one of India’s pioneering NGOs advocating for LGBT rights, with a strong focus on healthcare, mental well-being, and community-building. Recognizing the intersectionality of challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, Humsafar Trust runs various initiatives tailored to different subgroups. One of its flagship programs, ‘Yaariyan,’ is a youth-driven initiative that provides a safe space for LGBTQ young people to express themselves, connect with others, and access counseling and career guidance.
Similarly, ‘Umang’ is a support group specifically for lesbian and bisexual women as well as trans persons, offering them a platform for mutual support, legal awareness, and professional development. In addition to community engagement, Humsafar Trust plays a crucial role in HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, running healthcare centers that provide free HIV testing, counseling, and treatment. Over the years, the organization has also engaged in legal advocacy, contributing to the movement that led to the decriminalization of homosexuality in India.
Nazariya: A Queer Feminist Resource Group, based in Delhi NCR, was established in 2014 with a specific focus on affirming the rights of lesbian, bisexual women, and transgender persons assigned female at birth. As a feminist organization, Nazariya works at the intersection of gender and sexuality, challenging heteronormativity and patriarchal structures that marginalize queer individuals. The organization conducts sensitization workshops for educational institutions, workplaces, and healthcare providers to foster a more inclusive environment for queer persons.
Additionally, Nazariya provides direct support in the form of counseling services, legal aid, and crisis intervention for those facing discrimination, violence, or family rejection. Advocacy is a key pillar of its work, with the group actively engaging in policy discussions and media representation to bring visibility to issues affecting queer women and transgender individuals. Through its publications and awareness campaigns, Nazariya seeks to build a society that recognizes and respects diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
The Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust – The Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust (TWEET) Foundation is a community-led initiative founded by transgender individuals to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the transgender community in India. With a mission to promote social, economic, and legal empowerment, TWEET Foundation operates in areas such as healthcare access, education, employment, and policy advocacy. The organization runs skill development programs that equip transgender persons with vocational training, enhancing their employability in various sectors.
Healthcare support is a major component of their work, with initiatives aimed at improving access to gender-affirming medical care, mental health counseling, and HIV/AIDS prevention services. TWEET Foundation also actively engages in legal advocacy, pushing for progressive policies that recognize the rights of transgender individuals and combat discrimination. By fostering leadership within the transgender community, the foundation aims to create long-term, systemic change that enables transgender persons to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.
Kinnar Asmita – Kinnar Asmita, based in Gujarat, is an organization dedicated to the rights and welfare of the transgender community, working to reduce societal stigma and promote economic independence. The NGO acknowledges the severe discrimination that transgender individuals face in accessing healthcare, employment, and social services and strives to bridge these gaps through targeted interventions. Kinner Asmita provides healthcare services, including access to gender-affirming care and HIV prevention programs, ensuring that transgender individuals receive the medical support they need.
In addition to healthcare, the organization focuses on livelihood opportunities, offering skill training programs and facilitating job placements. Through its advocacy efforts, Kinner Asmita works to change societal attitudes by conducting awareness campaigns and collaborating with local authorities to create inclusive policies that recognize and respect transgender rights.
Sampoorna – Sampoorna India is a national network of transgender and intersex individuals that provides a support system, resources, and advocacy to promote their rights and well-being. Unlike traditional NGOs, Sampoorna India functions as a decentralized community network, allowing transgender and intersex persons to share experiences, access peer support, and collaborate on activism. The network organizes workshops, conferences, and online forums where members can discuss legal rights, healthcare access, and social inclusion.
A key aspect of its work is advocating for legal recognition and protections for transgender and intersex individuals, including the right to self-identify their gender without medical intervention. Sampoorna India also works to address the unique challenges faced by intersex persons, advocating against non-consensual medical procedures and promoting bodily autonomy. By fostering a strong and supportive community, Sampoorna India helps transgender and intersex persons navigate societal barriers and lead empowered lives.
Aravani Art Project – Aravani Art Project is a collective that uses art as a means to create safe spaces for transgender individuals and foster dialogue around gender diversity. Based on the belief that public art can be a powerful tool for social change, the project engages transgender persons in painting murals, street art, and other visual storytelling initiatives. These art projects serve as both a medium of self-expression and a way to challenge stereotypes, allowing the transgender community to reclaim public spaces and assert their presence in society.
By involving local communities in the creation process, Aravani Art Project also encourages conversations around transgender rights, helping to bridge the gap between transgender individuals and the broader public. The collective has worked on numerous projects across India, transforming urban landscapes while empowering transgender artists with skills and visibility.
Mitwa Welfare Society – Mitwa Welfare Society, operating in Uttar Pradesh, is an organization committed to improving the lives of transgender individuals through education, healthcare, and advocacy. The organization works closely with the transgender community to address their most pressing challenges, including access to medical care, social acceptance, and economic opportunities. It provides free healthcare services, including HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health support, and gender-affirming medical guidance.
Education is another key focus, with Mitwa Welfare Society offering scholarships and mentorship programs to help transgender youth pursue academic and vocational training. The organization also conducts outreach programs to promote the social inclusion of transgender persons, engaging with policymakers, law enforcement, and local communities to reduce discrimination and violence.
Sangama – Sangama, a Karnataka-based organization, is dedicated to protecting the human rights of sexual minorities, including transgender individuals. With a strong emphasis on crisis intervention, Sangama provides emergency shelter, legal aid, and mental health counseling to transgender persons facing violence, discrimination, or homelessness. The organization also conducts training sessions for government officials, healthcare providers, and educators to sensitize them about transgender rights.
Legal advocacy is a core component of Sangama’s work, as it actively participates in policy discussions to push for laws that protect sexual minorities from discrimination. Through community mobilization, Sangama ensures that transgender individuals have access to the resources and support needed to lead dignified lives.
The work of these NGOs and social groups highlights the immense dedication and resilience of individuals and organizations striving to create a more inclusive society for transgender people in India. From healthcare and education to economic empowerment and legal advocacy, these initiatives are transforming lives and challenging deep-rooted biases. However, true change requires collective effort. You can contribute by supporting these organizations through donations, volunteering, or simply amplifying their work on social media. Educate yourself and those around you about transgender rights, advocate for inclusive policies, and stand up against discrimination in everyday life. Every action, big or small, brings us closer to a society where transgender individuals can live with dignity, freedom, and opportunity.
Do you wish to add another tip or cue to our ‘10 NGOs for Transgenders: Saving and Changing Lives in India’ blog? Drop the same in the comments section and we will consider it for adding to the list!
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Kaavya Bhatt
Kaavya is a 14-year-old, budding change maker passionate about tackling societal issues creatively and trying to do her bit for the world today. She has a keen affinity for reading, research, the culinary arts, and traveling. Get in touch with Kaavya on bhatt.kaavya24@gmail.com
