Now in its fifth year, SAATHII’s fellowship programme is equipping local activists with the tools and resources to drive impactful change for LGBTQI communities across India. Despite progress in legally recognising transgender people and policy advancements for transgender rights, LGBTQI communities in India still face stigma, violence, and limited access to education and healthcare. Landmark rulings by the Supreme Court have laid a foundation for inclusion, but significant gaps remain between policy and the everyday experiences of LGBTQI individuals. SAATHI is bridging these gaps through its fellowship.
The SAATHII fellowship offers resources that enable activists to dedicate themselves full-time to LGBTQI advocacy, focusing on raising awareness, securing healthcare access, providing legal aid, advocating for housing, and challenging discriminatory practices. This year, SAATHII onboarded two fellows—Kiran Nayak from Karnataka and Telangana, and Pinky from Rayagada, Odisha—who are established leaders within their local communities. The fellowship has empowered them to advocate for transgender rights and mentor local collectives, helping community members access social and legal services and respond to crises.
Improving Access to Healthcare and Other Services in Odisha
Pinky’s work has been transformative for the transgender community in Odisha, where she leads Maa Majhi Gouri, a community-based organisation focused on transgender rights. Under her leadership, Maa Majhi Gouri partnered with the Odisha government to implement the Sweekruti scheme across five districts, a flagship programme promoting social, economic, and legal empowerment for transgender individuals through healthcare, legal aid, and social protection services.
Pinky’s impact extends well beyond this programme. She organised health literacy sessions for 60 trans women, connecting them to vital healthcare services, and sensitised 140 healthcare providers to the specific needs of transgender individuals. Her outreach also included co-leading inclusion sessions for 134 students and faculty, which led to five trans women being admitted to higher education institutions.
In addition to building the capacity of service providers and empowering transgender individuals, Pinky helped over 100 community members access crucial benefits, such as pensions and food security. She secured identity cards for over 20 transgender individuals and facilitated a work order worth INR 29.6 lakhs (around £27,5000) for a trans-led self-help group, creating meaningful economic opportunities. Pinky’s advocacy also reached state-level discussions on marriage equality and transgender welfare, amplifying marginalised voices and fostering sustainable community empowerment in Odisha.
Promoting Mental and Physical Health Among Trans Men
Kiran Nayak, a SAATHII fellow and trans man from rural Telangana, has been a committed advocate for queer and trans rights, particularly in healthcare and legal access. Working across Telangana and Karnataka, Kiran focuses on building support networks for trans individuals and promoting mental and reproductive health rights. His work with the Society for Trans Men’s Action and Rights (STAR) has provided vital crisis intervention, addressing over 34 cases involving family violence, emergency shelter needs, and discrimination. Kiran has also been heading a 9,000-member network of persons with disabilities since 2012 in Karnataka; and drawing attention to intersectional marginalisation such as those of gender, sexuality, disability and caste, in local and national forums.
Through his fellowship, Kiran has led advocacy efforts with healthcare providers and legal services to improve access and reduce stigma. At Osmania Hospital in Telangana, he successfully advocated for the removal of invasive screenings for trans men, aligning healthcare practices with international standards. His engagement with the Telangana State Women & Child Development Department also resulted in increased access to identity cards, loans, and pensions, bolstering the social safety net for trans individuals.
Kiran’s impact extends to the national level. He organised workshops on mental and physical health for trans men and served on the Steering Committee for “Our Health Matters: Indian Trans Men and Transmasculine Health Study”, a community-led research initiative. His mentorship helped STAR secure non-profit status, positioning the organisation for sustainable growth. Kiran also advised Project Vistaara, guiding leaders in advocating for healthcare access, inclusive education, and legal protections for queer and trans communities.
Through SAATHII’s fellowship programme, activists like Pinky and Kiran are reshaping their communities and building a foundation for lasting change across India. The programme illustrates the power of grassroots activism, demonstrating how dedicated local leaders can address systemic issues within healthcare, education, and social protection for India’s transgender community.