LGBTQ+ Resources — India

Helplines

  • Sahaay Helpline (India): 011-4075 8055. Support for LGBTQ+ people in crisis.
  • iCall (TISS): 9152987821, Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Counseling via phone/email.
  • Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345, 24/7 mental health support.
  • KIRAN: 1800-599-0019, government mental health helpline.

Legal Aid

  • Pride Circle / NALSA-based legal resources — Legal info for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
  • Orinam (Chennai) — Legal support and resources.
  • The Humsafar Trust (Mumbai) — Legal and health services.
  • Gaysi Family — Community and legal information.
  • Key fact: Section 377 was struck down in 2018 — same-sex relationships are legal. Trans people are protected under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

Shelters & Housing

  • The Humsafar Trust shelter programs — Support for homeless LGBTQ+ people in Mumbai.
  • Naz Foundation (Delhi) shelter services — Support and housing referrals.
  • SAATHII (Kolkata) — Services including housing referrals.
  • Community networks — Local queer groups maintain informal safe-house networks in major cities.

Health

  • The Humsafar Trust (Mumbai) — Testing, PrEP navigation, trans health services.
  • Naz Foundation (Delhi) — HIV services and support.
  • SAATHII (Kolkata) — HIV and LGBTQ+ health programs.
  • Greh (trans health clinic) (Mumbai) — Trans-affirming healthcare.
  • Mitr Trust (Pune) — Testing and community support.
  • PrEP — Available through clinics and NGOs; not yet free nationwide.

Community Orgs

  • The Humsafar Trust (Mumbai) — India's oldest LGBTQ+ organization (1994).
  • Naz Foundation (Delhi).
  • SAATHII (Kolkata/Chennai).
  • Orinam (Chennai) — Community group and annual events.
  • Pride Circle — Employment-focused LGBTQ+ advocacy.
  • Queerala (Kochi) — Kerala's community organization.
  • Pride parades — Held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, and more (often January-February).

Mental Health

  • iCall: 9152987821 (Mon-Sat 10am-8pm).
  • Vandrevala: 1860-2662-345, 24/7.
  • Orinam's mental health resources — Queer-affirming therapist lists.
  • Humsafar counseling — Community-based counseling.

Note: Legal protections exist but social acceptance varies. Big cities are safer and more open; rural areas require caution. Local community orgs are the best source of city-specific safety advice.

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Other Countries

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