Safe Spaces Map: Find Locations Across India Where Queer Lives Are Celebrated, Not Questioned
Two teens sat side by side on a train in Mumbai, their hands close but not quite touching. They didn’t speak much, both unsure of what awaited them. All they knew was they were heading somewhere safe — a space they’d only heard about in quiet conversations — a place where people like them could just… be.
When they finally walked through the door, their nerves slowly gave way to soft smiles and kind eyes. One found a counsellor to talk to, and the other joined a poetry circle. For the first time in a long time, they weren’t hiding.
For countless queer people across India, that moment — the feeling of being seen without fear — is the real triumph.
At LGBTQIA+ safe spaces, identities are respected, support is freely offered, and one can simply exist without fear or judgement.
It’s a victory built on years of struggle and courage. From the partial decriminalisation of same-sex love in 2009 to the recognition of transgender rights in 2014 to the landmark 2018 ruling that finally struck down Section 377 — each milestone was a crack in the wall, letting the light in. And though the road ahead still holds challenges, every conversation around equality — from marriage rights to inclusive education — moves us closer to a more loving, open India.
But change doesn’t only come from courtrooms. It blooms in poetry nights and late-night conversations. In therapy rooms, laughter and shared silence. In safe spaces — where, finally, no one has to explain why they belong.
This is what a safe space looks like.
What is a safe space?
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, a safe space is more than just a physical location. It is a haven — where identities are respected, support is freely offered, and one can simply exist without fear or judgement. These spaces provide emotional care, legal support, healthcare, and — above all — acceptance.
Across India, a growing network of individuals and organisations is working tirelessly to create such inclusive havens.
Here are some of the most trusted and welcoming safe spaces in India:
LGBTQ+ safe spaces across India
1. The Humsafar Trust
📍 Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
What It Offers:
- India’s first community-based LGBTQ+ organisation, founded in 1994
- Free counselling, HIV testing, legal aid, and community events
- A drop-in center for queer individuals seeking belonging and support
The Humsafar Trust started by welcoming self-identified gay and lesbian individuals and transgender and Hijra persons to its programmes on Fridays at its drop-in centre. (Picture source: Humsafar Trust)
Did You Know?
Humsafar Trust has helped shape national policy and built a legacy of activism and healing for the queer community.
2. Naz Foundation
📍 Location: New Delhi
What It Offers:
- LGBTQIA+ centre with screenings, book readings, performances & safe hangouts
- Free medical counselling and HIV awareness
- One of India’s earliest champions for sexual health and inclusivity
Why It Matters:
Naz’s work destigmatises sexual health while building trust and joy through arts and dialogue.
3. Good As You (GAY)
📍 Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
What It Offers:
- Peer-led support for gender and sexuality
- Legal and emotional counselling
- Safe meeting spaces for open discussion
GAY offers safe meeting spaces for open discussion. (Picture source: GAY)
Notable Impact:
Founded in 1994, GAY remains one of India’s longest-running grassroots LGBTQ+ collectives.
4. Sappho for Equality
📍 Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
What It Offers:
- Support for lesbians, bisexual women, and trans men
- Arts-based advocacy and identity-affirming workshops
- Cultural outreach that challenges traditional binaries
Across India, a growing network of individuals and organisations is working tirelessly to create safe spaces.
Community Voice:
More than just an organisation, Sappho is a sanctuary of shared stories, solidarity, and pride.
Here are more powerful and affirming spaces across the country, many built by and for queer voices:
Saahas – Thane, Maharashtra
A free therapy support group for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Their active Facebook page shares mental health resources, research, and community updates.
Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents
A support group for parents of LGBTQ+ children. They create safe spaces for families to connect and learn to embrace their children’s identities.
TALMS Charity Foundation – Mumbai
Supports the transgender community with transition-related grants, education and healthcare assistance.
Born2Win – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Works towards education and employment empowerment of the transgender community.
Chennai Queer Cafe – Tamil Nadu
A unique, identity-affirming café space open to those assigned female at birth and queer/questioning individuals.
Community Empowerment Trust – Delhi
Focused on helping transwomen and transmen with identity, education, skill development, and healthcare.
Maanush Assam – Assam
A mentorship initiative by Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) that sensitizes young men on gender and sexuality, breaking stereotypes in the Northeast.
Vanaja Collective – Kerala
Provides crisis intervention and healing spaces for queer and oppressed individuals through therapy and arts programs.
Queerteen India – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
A grassroots initiative offering safe spaces for queer teens, where they can express themselves freely and access mentorship.
Each organisation offers refuge and builds resilience, helping individuals navigate identity, stigma, and acceptance. (Picture source: Queerteen Bhopal)
Aneka – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Supports sexual minorities, women, sex workers, and people living with HIV through rights advocacy and care initiatives.
Why these spaces matter
Each of these organisations not only offers refuge but also builds resilience — helping individuals navigate identity, stigma, and acceptance. In a country where public spaces aren’t always inclusive, these centers serve as anchors of hope and healing.
Ready to find your safe space?
Whether you’re seeking a friendly face, emotional support, therapy, or simply a place where you can be yourself — these centres are here for you.
🗺️ Explore more verified LGBTQ+ safe spaces across India at lgbtqindiaresource.in
Let’s keep building a world where every identity feels at home. One space, one person, one story at a time.
Edited by Leila Badyari
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