Nazariya Foundation

The Nazariya Foundation runs a Crisis Intervention Programme addressing the lack of accessible mental health support, particularly for marginalized LGBTQIA+ individuals. Amidst the pandemic, the need for connection and assistance has grown. Through a peer-counselling helpline, it provides both peer and professional mental health support. Since July 2019, they've received 227 helpline calls, including 101 for gender-based violence and 58 for mental health. It also offers crisis intervention for gender-based violence and organises activities like listening circles and meet-ups for shared experiences and solidarity.

The Nazariya Foundation has established a Mental Healthcare Unit to tackle the issue of costly and inaccessible mental health services, particularly for marginalized groups like the LGBTQIA+ community. Recognizing the scarcity of queer and trans-friendly mental health practitioners, the organisation has created a dedicated unit that offers pro bono psychotherapy exclusively to queer and trans individuals. The unit also operates a peer-counselling helpline and extends professional mental health assistance to individuals spanning the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The pandemic has further highlighted the importance of connectivity, prompting the Foundation to provide a platform for sharing and listening, as people continue to grapple with feelings of loneliness, fear, and anxiety.

Nazariya Foundation, operating as a community-based organisation, is dedicated to creating a secure environment where individuals within the community can unite and exchange their stories. In line with this objective, the organisation presents 'Q-Tales,' a monthly listening circle designed exclusively for queer and trans individuals. These gatherings have featured diverse activities like art therapy workshops, open mic sessions, and film screenings, fostering engagement and connection. Furthermore, Nazariya actively collaborates with fellow organisations interested in co-hosting these impactful listening circles.

Nazariya Foundation plays a pivotal role in assisting transgender individuals with the often complex and daunting process of acquiring accurate identification documents. These essential documents are crucial for daily activities like banking, education, employment, and travel. Many transgender individuals encounter obstacles due to inconsistencies between their self-identified gender and official documents. Nazariya steps in to alleviate these challenges, offering support in obtaining transgender certificates, ID proofs, and guiding name-change procedures for Aadhar cards and PAN cards. The organisation has also aided some queer and trans individuals in establishing bank accounts, thereby contributing to their increased accessibility and inclusivity.

Nazariya Foundation conducts training programmes on gender and sexuality, collaborating with private and Government institutions. Addressing discrimination faced by marginalized individuals due to gender identity and sexual orientation, the organisation also recognizes intersecting factors like caste, class, religion, ability, and ethnicity intensifying this prejudice. Workshops aim to raise awareness about these issues, enabling participants to view the world through a gender and sexuality lens. Additionally, Nazariya facilitates dialogues and builds capacities within organisations, focusing on burnout prevention, stress management, and fostering diversity and inclusion in workplaces.