Krrissh at 23:20, 11 April 2026

2026-04-11T23:20:50Z

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{{Short description|Non-governmental organization}}
{{About|the NGO in India|other|Humsafar (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Humsafar Trust
| logo =
| founder = [[Ashok Row Kavi]], Suhail Abbasi, [[Sridhar Rangayan]]
| dissolved =
| type = [[Charitable trust]]
| focus = [[LGBT rights]], [[health]]
| location = [[Mumbai]], [[India]]
| origins =
| region_served =
| method =
| owner =
| key_people = Suhail Abbasi (chairperson); Vivek Raj Anand (CEO)
| footnotes =
| num_volunteers =
| website = https://humsafar.org/about-us/
| founded = 1994
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2015}}

'''Humsafar Trust''' ({{lang|hi-Latn|humsafar}} meaning 'companion' in [[Hindustani language|Hindustani]]: {{langx|hi|हमसफ़र}}, {{langx|ur|ہمسفر}}) is an [[NGO]] in [[Mumbai]] that promotes [[LGBT rights]]. Founded by [[Ashok Row Kavi]], Suhail Abbasi, and [[Sridhar Rangayan]] in 1994, it is one of the largest and most active of such organisations in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://queer-ink.com/humsafar-trust-hst/|title=Humsafar Trustk|website=queer-ink.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-15|archive-date=19 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119125310/http://queer-ink.com/humsafar-trust-hst/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="amFAR2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.amfar.org/articles/around-the-world/treatasia/older/an-interview-with-ashok-row-kavi%E2%80%94coming-out-in-india/|title=An Interview with Ashok Row Kavi—Coming Out in India|author=TREAT Asia Report|website=amFAR.org|date=March 2008|access-date=26 November 2014|archive-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725234106/http://amfar.org/articles/around-the-world/treatasia/older/an-interview-with-ashok-row-kavi%E2%80%94coming-out-in-india/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It provides counselling, advocacy and healthcare to LGBT communities and has helped reduce violence, discrimination and stigma against them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.satyamevjayate.in/accepting-alternative-sexualities/ngo-humsafar-trust.aspx|title=The Humsafar Trust – Accepting alternative sexualities {{!}} satyamevjayate.in|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref> Humsafar Trust is the convenor member of Integrated Network for Sexual Minorities (INFOSEM).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.infosem.org/|title=INFOSEM - India Network for Sexual Minorities|website=www.infosem.org|access-date=2017-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716092836/http://www.infosem.org/|archive-date=16 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Origin==
The Humsafar Trust (HST) was founded in April 1994 by journalist Ashok Row Kavi, media professional Suhail Abbasi and filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan, to reach out to LGBTQ communities in Mumbai Metro and surrounding areas.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us - The Humsafar Trust |url=https://humsafar.org/about-us/ |website=The Humsafar Trust |access-date=18 October 2022}}</ref> At that time [[homophobia|prejudice]] and conventional Indian societal values prevented [[Men who have sex with men|MSM]] and [[transgender]] Indians from getting effective health services. The initial focus of Humsafar Trust was on activism for providing HIV/AIDS health services to gay men, but soon expanded to provide guidance, checkups, hospital referrals, confidential HIV testing, counseling and outreach for the complete spectrum of the LGBT community.<ref name="amFAR2008"/>

== Advocacy initiatives ==
* Humsafar Trust produced feature film ''[[68 Pages]]'' documenting experiences of a counsellor working with marginalised communities in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1080701/jsp/entertainment/story_9485654.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705123717/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080701/jsp/entertainment/story_9485654.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 July 2008|title=The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata)|website=www.telegraphindia.com|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref>
* Produced ''Bridges of Hope'', a documentary documenting voices and concerns of MSM and TG community in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.solarispictures.com/boh.htm |title=Bridges of Hope |date=2008 |website=Solaris Pictures |access-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130080821/https://www.solarispictures.com/boh.htm |archive-date=January 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/bridges-of-hope-10396/cast-crew|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629101234/https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/bridges-of-hope-10396/cast-crew|url-status=live|archive-date=29 June 2019|title=Bridges of Hope (2008) - Full Cast and Crew |website=www.cinestaan.com|language=en-us|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref>
* Produced ''Yehi Hai...Right way'', a condom demonstration film for MSM and Transgender.<ref>{{Citation|last=humsafartrust|title=Yehi Hai Right Way - Hindi|date=2009-06-02|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqd2xDuLp4I|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref>
* Humsafar Trust was the primary organiser of Project Bolo, an Indian LGBT oral history project funded by the [[United Nations Development Programme]].<ref name="ProjectBolo">{{cite web |url=http://www.projectbolo.com/about.htm |title=Indian LGBT Oral History Project - About |publisher=Project Bolo |access-date=2014-06-29 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924082306/http://www.projectbolo.com/about.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
* Supported [[Mumbai Queer Film Festival|Kashish Mumbai International Film Festival]] in 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.artsnetworkasia.org/content/travelgrants/kashish_report.htm|title=artsnetworkasia|website=www.artsnetworkasia.org|language=en-us|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mumbaiqueerfest.com/kashish2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108:kashish-2010&catid=34:demo-category&Itemid=28|title=Kashish 2010|website=www.mumbaiqueerfest.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-15|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616053434/http://www.mumbaiqueerfest.com/kashish2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108:kashish-2010&catid=34:demo-category&Itemid=28|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* First performance of ''Ek Madhavbaug'' - [[Chetan Datar]]'s poignant Marathi play about a son coming out to his mother, had its first Hindi performance in 2010 by actor [[Mona Ambegaonkar]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/ek-madhav-baug-an-attempt-to-promote-gender-equality/articleshow/62028863.cms |title=Ek Madhav Baug, and attempt to promote gender Equality |date=December 12, 2017 |website=Times of India |access-date=June 8, 2023}}</ref> There have been multiple performances of this play with support of Humsafar Trust at various platforms including corporates and educational institutes.
* Co-produced feature film ''I AM OMAR'' in collaboration with Anti Clock Films, and ''ONIR'', a film that brings to light harassment faced by the gay community<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.suruchigupta.in/2011/04/27/vivek-anand-the-voice-of-i-am-omar-biopic-57/|title=Vivek Anand, The Voice of I Am Omar… Biopics 5/7 - Suruchi Gupta|access-date=2017-05-15|archive-date=29 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929134200/http://www.suruchigupta.in/2011/04/27/vivek-anand-the-voice-of-i-am-omar-biopic-57/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Developed recommendation language manual for print and electronic media for correct reporting on LGBT issues - SANCHAR<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-lgbt-community-brings-out-media-guide-for-improved-reporting-2075600|title=LGBT community brings out media guide for improved reporting|date=2015-04-08|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-15|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Developed Mission Azaadi Document, a reference manual to promote LGBTQH rights in India supported by [[International HIV/AIDS Alliance]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-a-manual-to-support-the-right-to-love-2060820|title=A manual to support the right to love|date=2015-02-14|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-15|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Launched the initiative LIKHO to nurture budding journalists and media persons in the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hellomumbainews.com/current-news/indias-favourite-news-anchor-arnab-goswami-comes-support-lgbt-community/|title=India's favourite news anchor Arnab Goswami comes in support for the LGBT community|access-date=2017-05-15|language=en-US}}</ref>
*Humsafar Trust and [[Tinder (app)|Tinder]] joined to bring more gender/sexual inclusivity to the social dating platform so that the LGBTQI+ community can express themselves freely.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/by-month-end-tinder-to-allow-users-to-choose-sexual-orientation/article27767772.ece|title=By month-end, Tinder to allow users to choose sexual orientation|last=Karangutkar|first=Suyash|date=2019-06-11|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-15|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/love-in-the-time-of-right-swap-tinder-introduces-more-gender-options-for-users-bios/story/290393.html|title=Love in the time of right swipe: Tinder introduces more gender options on user bios|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=13 November 2018 |access-date=2019-06-15}}</ref> By this initiative Tinder added 23 gender options for users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/embrace-everyone-tinder-india-finally-adds-transgender-22-other-gender-options-for-users-356635.html|title=Embrace Everyone: Tinder India Finally Adds Transgender & 22 Other Gender Options For Users|date=2018-11-14|website=indiatimes.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-15}}</ref>

== Initiatives by Humsafar Trust ==

'''Convenor member of INFOSEM'''

HST is a convener member of Integrated Network for Sexual Minorities (INFOSEM), the only national level network of sexual minorities that has 196 community based organisations representing lesbian, gay, kothi, MSM, bisexual and transgender communities as members.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A People Stronger: The collectivisation of MSM and TG groups in India|last1=Singh|last2=Dasgupta|last3=Patankar|last4=Sinha|first1=Suneeta|first2=Sangita|first3=Pallav|first4=Minati|publisher=Sage Publication|year=2012|isbn=978-81-321-1001-9|pages=67, 72, 73}}</ref>

'''Yaariyan & Umang'''

HST has nurtured the support group Umang (Joy) for LBT persons and the youth LGBT group Yaariyan (Friendships). Both the groups are actively involved in engaging with young members of the community and undertake a number of community-binding and advocacy related initiatives. Yaariyan has been doing LGBTQ flashmob in Mumbai for many years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dialling-up-support-for-LGBTs/articleshow/27745661.cms|title=Dialling up support for LGBTs |work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gaysifamily.com/2017/05/16/yaariyan-a-community-home-for-lgbtq-youth-in-mumbai/|title=Yaariyan, A Community Home For LGBTQ Youth In Mumbai.|access-date=2017-05-20|date=16 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-events-in-pride-calendar-go-down-but-participation-up-2055175|title=Events in pride calendar go down but participation up|date=2015-01-24|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-20|language=en-US}}</ref>

'''Sanjeevani'''

Humsafar has nurtured Sanjeevani, a support group for people living with HIV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lawyerscollective.org/updates/civil-society-groups-seek-tabling-hivaids-bill-rajya-sabha|title=Civil Society groups seek tabling of HIV/AIDS Bill in Rajya Sabha - Lawyers Collective|date=2013-07-26|work=Lawyers Collective|access-date=2017-05-20|language=en-US|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629101659/https://www.lawyerscollective.org/updates/civil-society-groups-seek-tabling-hivaids-bill-rajya-sabha|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/mid-day/20160831/281672549375591 |title=Making a Song and trans: memgers of the transgender community have planned a 5-minute flash mob to raise awareness about inclusiveness |last=Shukla |first=Aparna |date=August 31, 2016 |via=PressReader |access-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629101644/https://www.pressreader.com/india/mid-day/20160831/281672549375591 |archive-date=June 29, 2019}}</ref> Sanjeevani was established in March 2003 and registered in March 2010 as a CBO of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) living with HIV. It has been a support group of over 300 individuals living with HIV.

'''Humsafar Connect'''

HST has set up Connect, a national online resource center that will connect LGBTQ communities worldwide.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/column-humsafar-dilli-chali-2389455|title=Humsafar Dilli chali|date=2017-04-09|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-20|language=en-US}}</ref>

'''HIV/AIDS ART Clinic'''

The Humsafar Trust inaugurated India's first integrated community-based HIV treatment centre and clinic in Mumbai to provide free counselling and anti-retroviral therapy (ART). It has been set up with the help of Mumbai District State AIDS Control Society (MDACS) and FHI 360.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/countrys-first-hiv-treatment-centre-inaugurated/article26460868.ece|title=Country's first HIV treatment centre inaugurated|last=Karangutkar|first=Suyash|date=2019-03-08|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-15|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/health-lifestyle/indias-first-holistic-lgbtq-clinic-and-antiretroviral-therapy-centre-set-up-in-mumbai/articleshow/68324552.cms|title=India's first holistic LGBTQ clinic and Antiretroviral therapy centre set up in Mumbai|date=March 8, 2019|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en|access-date=2019-06-15}}</ref> The community-based ART centre is a pilot differentiated care supported by the government of India.

"This centre can now diagnose, provide the pills, carry out testing and assessment and provide counselling and ART therapy all under one roof." - [[Ashok Row Kavi]], founder of Humsafar Trust.

The aim is to relieve the government hospitals from the constant inflow of HIV/AIDS MSM patients.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/society/article/humsafar-trust-inaugurates-indias-first-lgbtq-clinic-one-stop-hiv-treatment-centre-in-mumbai/379881|title=Humsafar Trust inaugurates India's first LGBTQ clinic, one-stop HIV treatment centre in Mumbai|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/people/article/richa-chadha-to-inaugurate-indias-first-ever-lgbtq-art-centre-and-medical-clinic-details-inside/378239|title=Richa Chadha to inaugurate India's first-ever LGBTQ art centre and medical clinic|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-15}}</ref>

==Activism==

* Humsafar Trust organises an LGBT film festival in Mumbai.<ref name="Reuters2010">{{cite web |url= http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-47854420100420 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306172711/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-47854420100420 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 6 March 2016 |title=Mumbai gay film fest eyes dialogue on homosexuality |first=Shilpa |last=Jamkhandikar |work=in.reuters.com |date=20 April 2010 |access-date=30 January 2012}}</ref>
* Humsafar Trust has supported the organisation of [[flash mob]]s to protest.<ref name="Indian Express2012">{{cite web |url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/loud-and-queer/902287/ |title=Loud and Queer - Indian Express |first=Afsha |last=Khan |work=indianexpress.com |date=21 Jan 2012 |access-date=30 January 2012}}</ref>
* In January 2012 Humsafar Trust director Vivek Anand filed a complaint on behalf of attendees at an LGBT fundraiser which was targeted by a protester and police.<ref name="Midday2012">{{cite web |url= http://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/jan/150112-Activist-disrupts-Pride-fundraiser-party.htm |title='Activist' disrupts Pride fundraiser party |first=Dhamini |last=Ratnam |work=mid-day.com |date=15 January 2012 |access-date=30 January 2012}}</ref>
* In August 2018, Humsafar Trust, in collaboration with the Canadian consulate hosted the Emerging Queer Leaders (EQueL) Summit in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/summit-to-empower-queer-leaders-held-in-mumbai/article24835693.ece|title=Summit to empower queer leaders held in Mumbai|date=2018-08-31|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-15|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* Publicis.Sapient in partnership with HST Launched a short film, #PeopleNotLabels to create awareness for trans people in Indian Society.<ref name=":2" />

== Humsafar Delhi ==
Humsafar Trust has also started an office in the capital of India - New Delhi. It also has a drop-in centre where people can meet, engage and discuss.

"The Humsafar Trust will bring our best services in counselling, crisis management and community mobilisation to the LGBT groups in Delhi-NCR and other nearby areas. We also hope to network directly with the Parliament and the Union government on important legislation regarding sexual minorities and their problems." - [[Ashok Row Kavi]], founder of Humsafar Trust.

"Humsafar's LGBTQ centre in Delhi hopes to provide not only a safer place for the community members, but also counselling and links with mental health professionals." - Vivek Anand, CEO of Humsafar Trust.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/one-stop-centre-for-lgbt-community-members-in-capital/article17835393.ece|title=One-stop centre for LGBT community members in Capital|last=Perappadan|first=Bindu Shajan|work=The Hindu|access-date=2017-05-20|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

== See also ==
* [[LGBT rights in India]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{official website|http://www.humsafar.org/}}
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120119044429/http://www.projectbolo.com/ Project Bolo]}}, the Indian LGBT Oral History project

{{LGBT in India}}

[[Category:LGBTQ political advocacy groups in India]]
[[Category:LGBTQ culture in Mumbai]]

Humsafar Trust - Revision history

Krrissh at 23:20, 11 April 2026