Blogs

Voices from the Margins: LGBTQIA+ Youth Speak About Their Journey with Samagra

“I never thought someone would ask how I’m doing—not as a case, but as a human being.”
— Sakshi, 26, a trans youth supported by Samagra Foundation

In the crowded alleys of urban slums and the isolated corners of rural India, LGBTQIA+ youth often carry the weight of invisibility. Marginalized not just by society but also by systems meant to protect them, these young individuals battle stigma, poverty, and often, abandonment.

At Samagra Foundation, we believe no one should have to live unseen. Our work with LGBTQIA+ communities is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and holistic empowerment—bridging the emotional, social, and economic gaps they face.

🌈 Why This Work Matters

The LGBTQIA+ community in India still faces:

• Rejection from family and educational institutions
• Poor mental health due to trauma and discrimination
• Limited access to employment, healthcare, and legal rights
• Higher risk of homelessness, substance abuse, and exploitation

According to the National Human Rights Commission, over 92% of transgender individuals are denied employment. In our work, we found that many also lack access to basic documentation, making them invisible even on paper.

Samagra Foundation intervenes where systems fail—providing not just support, but belonging.

🤝 Samagra’s Approach: Dignity, Not Charity

Our LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Empowerment programme offers:

• Mental Health Counseling: Trauma-informed, non-judgmental spaces
• HIV Testing & Health Linkages: In collaboration with community clinics
• Skill Training & Livelihood Support: From digital courses to micro-enterprises
• Legal & Welfare Scheme Linkage: Support with PAN, Aadhar, ration cards
• Safe Shelter Referrals & Home Reunification: Especially for runaway youth
• Community Circles: Peer support groups led by LGBTQIA+ facilitators

✨ Stories of Change

Aarav, 19 – The Artist Who Found His Voice

Raised in a conservative rural home, Aarav ran away at 16. He lived on railway platforms and performed street art for food. Through Samagra’s safe shelter and counseling programme, Aarav reconnected with his passion for painting. He’s now leading community mural projects and recently sold his first artwork online.

“For the first time, someone saw me as an artist—not as a runaway trans person.”

Rashi, 19 – From Silence to Strength

Rashi, a trans woman from Dhule, was denied admission in multiple vocational courses. When she found Samagra’s digital literacy and placement programme, it was a turning point. With her certificate in digital tools and soft skills, Rashi now works as a customer service representative at a retail chain.

“I didn’t need a handout. I needed a bridge. Samagra built that bridge for me.”

📈 Impact at a Glance (2022–2025)

• 500+ LGBTQIA+ youth supported through mental health & counseling
• 200+ individuals linked to jobs, vocational training, or SHGs
• 100+ families sensitized through reunification counseling
• 3 LGBTQIA+ peer mentors trained and employed as facilitators

🧭 What’s Next?

Samagra is expanding its LGBTQIA+ outreach through:

• A dedicated community center for therapy, training, and events
• Partnerships with corporates for inclusive employment
• A mobile outreach unit for rural LGBTQIA+ youth

We dream of an India where gender or identity does not determine one’s future.

💬 Your Role in This Journey

You can help us build safe, dignified, and hopeful futures for LGBTQIA+ youth.

✅ Partner with us for your CSR initiatives
✅ Donate to fund counseling, shelter, or education
✅ Volunteer your skills for training or awareness
✅ Share this story—because silence perpetuates marginalization

💌 Contact us: contact@samagrafoundation.com
🌐 Learn more: www.samagrafoundation.com
📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for real stories and updates

Together, let’s shift the margins to the center.
Because every voice deserves to be heard.