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{{Short description|Non-governmental organization}}
{{About|the NGO in India|other|Humsafar (disambiguation)}}
{{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_city = [[Mumbai]]
| location =
| location_country = [[India]]
| origins =
| area_served =
| method =
| owner =
| key_people = Suhail Abbasi (Chairperson); Vivek Raj Anand (CEO)
| footnotes =
| num_volunteers =
| homepage = https://humsafar.org/about-us/
| founded_date = 1994
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2015}}

'''Humsafar Trust''' is an [[NGO]] in [[Mumbai]] which promotes LGBT rights. Founded by [[Ashok Row Kavi]] 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 Trust (HST) {{!}} Queer Ink|website=queer-ink.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-15}}</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|accessdate=26 November 2014}}</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>
'''Humsafar Trust''' ({{lang|hi-Latn|humsafar}} meaning 'companion' in [[Hindustani language|Hindustani]]: {{lang-hi|हमसफ़र}}, {{lang-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==
==Origin==
Indian writer and LGBT rights activist, Ashok Row Kavi founded Humsafar Trust after returning from Canada. 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"/>
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 ==
== 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|title=The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) {{!}} Entertainment {{!}} Queer crash|website=www.telegraphindia.com|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref>
* 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://witness.theguardian.com/assignment/589d9b84e4b08bb4fbbea922/6007991|title=GuardianWitness - SRIDHAR RANGAYAN filmmaker, festival director, activist; India|website=GuardianWitness|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/bridges-of-hope-10396/cast-crew|title=Bridges of Hope (2008) - Full Cast and Crew {{!}} Cinestaan.com|website=www.cinestaan.com|language=en-us|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|accessdate=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 |date= |accessdate=2014-06-29}}</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=dead }}</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|last=Administrator|website=www.mumbaiqueerfest.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-15}}</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 has its first Hindi performance in 2010 by Actor [[Mona Ambegaonkar]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pressreader.com/india/the-times-of-india-mumbai-edition/20120715/281779921238336|title=PressReader.com - Connecting People Through News|website=www.pressreader.com|access-date=2017-05-15}}</ref> There has been multiple performances of this play with support of Humsafar Trust at various platforms including corporates and educational institutes.
* First Performance of Ek Madhavbaug - [[Chetan Datar]]'s poignant Marathi play about a son coming out to his mother has 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 has 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 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}}</ref>
* Co-produced feature film “I AM OMAR” in collaboration with Anti Clock films and ONIR, a film that brings to light harassment faced by 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 {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=2015-04-08|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-15|language=en-US}}</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|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 {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=2015-02-14|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|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 an initiative - LIKHO to nurture budding journalists and media persons in 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. ~|last=Admin|access-date=2017-05-15|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Launched an initiative - LIKHO to nurture budding journalists and media persons in 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 hands to bring more gender/sexual inclusivity to the social dating platform so that 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|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>
*Humsafar Trust and [[Tinder (app)|Tinder]] joined hands to bring more gender/sexual inclusivity to the social dating platform so that 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 ==
== Initiatives by Humsafar Trust ==
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'''Convenor Member of INFOSEM'''
'''Convenor Member of INFOSEM'''


HST is 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|last=Singh, Dasgupta, Patankar, Sinha|first=Suneeta, Sangita, Pallav, Minati|publisher=Sage Publication|year=2012|isbn=978-81-321-1001-9|location=|pages=67, 72, 73}}</ref>
HST is 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'''
'''Yaariyan & Umang'''


HST has nurtured a support group ‘UMANG’ (Joy) for LBT persons and a 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 - Times of India|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 {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=2015-01-24|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-20|language=en-US}}</ref>
HST has nurtured a support group ‘UMANG’ (Joy) for LBT persons and a 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'''
'''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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/mid-day/20160831/281672549375591|title=PressReader.com - Connecting People Through News|website=www.pressreader.com|access-date=2017-05-20}}</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 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'''
'''Humsafar Connect'''


HST has set up CONNECT which is 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 {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=2017-04-09|work=dna|access-date=2017-05-20|language=en-US}}</ref>
HST has set up CONNECT which is 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'''
'''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|last=Mar 8|first=Updated|last2=2019|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en|access-date=2019-06-15|last3=Ist|first3=21:52}}</ref> The community-based ART centre is a pilot differentiated care supported by the government of India.
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''”
“''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.
- [[Ashok Row Kavi]], founder of Humsafar Trust.


The aim here 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 - details inside {{!}} Entertainment News|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-15}}</ref>
The aim here 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==
==Activism==


* Humsafar Trust organises an LGBT film festival in Mumbai.<ref name="Reuters2010">{{cite web |url= http://in.reuters.com/article/2010/04/20/idINIndia-47854420100420 |title=Mumbai gay film fest eyes dialogue on homosexuality &#124; Reuters |first=Shilpa |last=Jamkhandikar |work=in.reuters.com |date=20 April 2010 |accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref>
* 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 mobs]] 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 |accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref>
* Humsafar Trust has supported the organisation of [[flash mobs]] 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 |accessdate=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|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</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" />
* 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 Delhi ==
Line 66: Line 88:


- 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" />
- 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==
==References==
Line 76: Line 101:
{{LGBT in India}}
{{LGBT in India}}


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

Latest revision as of 16:40, 23 September 2024

Humsafar Trust
Founded1994
FounderAshok Row Kavi, Suhail Abbasi, Sridhar Rangayan
TypeCharitable trust
FocusLGBT rights, health
Location
Key people
Suhail Abbasi (Chairperson); Vivek Raj Anand (CEO)
Websitehttps://humsafar.org/about-us/

Humsafar Trust (humsafar meaning 'companion' in Hindustani: Hindi: हमसफ़र, Urdu: 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.[1][2] It provides counselling, advocacy and healthcare to LGBT communities and has helped reduce violence, discrimination and stigma against them.[3] Humsafar Trust is the convenor member of Integrated Network for Sexual Minorities (INFOSEM).[4]

Origin

[edit]

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.[5] At that time prejudice and conventional Indian societal values prevented 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.[2]

Advocacy initiatives

[edit]
  • Humsafar Trust produced feature film 68 Pages documenting experiences of a counsellor working with marginalised communities in 2007.[6]
  • Produced Bridges of Hope - a documentary documenting voices and concerns of MSM and TG community in 2004.[7][8]
  • Produced “Yehi Hai...Right way” a condom demonstration film for MSM and Transgender.[9]
  • Humsafar Trust was the primary organiser of Project Bolo, an Indian LGBT oral history project funded by the United Nations Development Programme.[10]
  • Supported Kashish Mumbai International Film Festival in 2010[11][12]
  • First Performance of Ek Madhavbaug - Chetan Datar's poignant Marathi play about a son coming out to his mother has its first Hindi performance in 2010 by Actor Mona Ambegaonkar.[13] There has 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 gay community[14]
  • Developed recommendation language manual for print and electronic media for correct reporting on LGBT issues - SANCHAR[15]
  • Developed Mission Azaadi Document; A reference manual to promote LGBTQH rights in India supported by International HIV AIDS Alliance[16]
  • Launched an initiative - LIKHO to nurture budding journalists and media persons in LGBTQ community.[17]
  • Humsafar Trust and Tinder joined hands to bring more gender/sexual inclusivity to the social dating platform so that LGBTQI+ community can express themselves freely.[18][19] By this initiative Tinder added 23 gender options for users.[20]

Initiatives by Humsafar Trust

[edit]

Convenor Member of INFOSEM

HST is 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.[21]

Yaariyan & Umang

HST has nurtured a support group ‘UMANG’ (Joy) for LBT persons and a 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.[22][23][24]

Sanjeevani

Humsafar has nurtured SANJEEVANI, a support group for people living with HIV.[25][26] 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 which is a National Online Resource Center that will connect LGBTQ communities worldwide.[27]

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.[28][29] 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 here is to relieve the government hospitals from the constant inflow of HIV/AIDS MSM patients.[28][30][31]

Activism

[edit]
  • Humsafar Trust organises an LGBT film festival in Mumbai.[32]
  • Humsafar Trust has supported the organisation of flash mobs to protest.[33]
  • 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.[34]
  • In August 2018, Humsafar Trust, in collaboration with the Canadian consulate hosted the Emerging Queer Leaders (EQueL) Summit in Mumbai.[35]
  • Publicis.Sapient in partnership with HST Launched a short film, #PeopleNotLabels to create awareness for trans people in Indian Society.[36]

Humsafar Delhi

[edit]

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.[36][27]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Humsafar Trustk". queer-ink.com. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  2. ^ a b TREAT Asia Report (March 2008). "An Interview with Ashok Row Kavi—Coming Out in India". amFAR.org. Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  3. ^ "The Humsafar Trust – Accepting alternative sexualities | satyamevjayate.in". Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  4. ^ "INFOSEM - India Network for Sexual Minorities". www.infosem.org. Archived from the original on 16 July 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  5. ^ "About Us - The Humsafar Trust". The Humsafar Trust. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  6. ^ "The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata)". www.telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 5 July 2008. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  7. ^ "Bridges of Hope". Solaris Pictures. 2008. Archived from the original on 30 January 2011. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  8. ^ "Bridges of Hope (2008) - Full Cast and Crew". www.cinestaan.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  9. ^ humsafartrust (2 June 2009), Yehi Hai Right Way - Hindi, retrieved 15 May 2017
  10. ^ "Indian LGBT Oral History Project - About". Project Bolo. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2014.
  11. ^ "artsnetworkasia". www.artsnetworkasia.org. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  12. ^ "Kashish 2010". www.mumbaiqueerfest.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  13. ^ "Ek Madhav Baug, and attempt to promote gender Equality". Times of India. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  14. ^ "Vivek Anand, The Voice of I Am Omar… Biopics 5/7 - Suruchi Gupta". Archived from the original on 29 September 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  15. ^ "LGBT community brings out media guide for improved reporting". dna. 8 April 2015. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  16. ^ "A manual to support the right to love". dna. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  17. ^ "India's favourite news anchor Arnab Goswami comes in support for the LGBT community". Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  18. ^ Karangutkar, Suyash (11 June 2019). "By month-end, Tinder to allow users to choose sexual orientation". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  19. ^ "Love in the time of right swipe: Tinder introduces more gender options on user bios". www.businesstoday.in. 13 November 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  20. ^ "Embrace Everyone: Tinder India Finally Adds Transgender & 22 Other Gender Options For Users". indiatimes.com. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  21. ^ Singh, Suneeta; Dasgupta, Sangita; Patankar, Pallav; Sinha, Minati (2012). A People Stronger: The collectivisation of MSM and TG groups in India. Sage Publication. pp. 67, 72, 73. ISBN 978-81-321-1001-9.
  22. ^ "Dialling up support for LGBTs". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  23. ^ "Yaariyan, A Community Home For LGBTQ Youth In Mumbai". 16 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  24. ^ "Events in pride calendar go down but participation up". dna. 24 January 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  25. ^ "Civil Society groups seek tabling of HIV/AIDS Bill in Rajya Sabha - Lawyers Collective". Lawyers Collective. 26 July 2013. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  26. ^ Shukla, Aparna (31 August 2016). "Making a Song and trans: memgers of the transgender community have planned a 5-minute flash mob to raise awareness about inclusiveness". Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2023 – via PressReader.
  27. ^ a b "Humsafar Dilli chali". dna. 9 April 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  28. ^ a b Karangutkar, Suyash (8 March 2019). "Country's first HIV treatment centre inaugurated". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  29. ^ "India's first holistic LGBTQ clinic and Antiretroviral therapy centre set up in Mumbai". Mumbai Mirror. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  30. ^ "Humsafar Trust inaugurates India's first LGBTQ clinic, one-stop HIV treatment centre in Mumbai". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  31. ^ "Richa Chadha to inaugurate India's first-ever LGBTQ art centre and medical clinic". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  32. ^ Jamkhandikar, Shilpa (20 April 2010). "Mumbai gay film fest eyes dialogue on homosexuality". in.reuters.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  33. ^ Khan, Afsha (21 January 2012). "Loud and Queer - Indian Express". indianexpress.com. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  34. ^ Ratnam, Dhamini (15 January 2012). "'Activist' disrupts Pride fundraiser party". mid-day.com. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  35. ^ "Summit to empower queer leaders held in Mumbai". The Hindu. 31 August 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  36. ^ a b Perappadan, Bindu Shajan. "One-stop centre for LGBT community members in Capital". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
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