Every June, the rainbows come out. Social media fills up with posts celebrating Pride, companies change their logos, and for a few weeks, there’s a lot of talk about love, acceptance, and equality.

But behind all of it are real people: many still fighting daily battles that aren’t always visible. Even with Section 377 gone, being openly LGBTQIA in India can mean facing judgement at home, silence at work, and rejection from people who matter most.

Thankfully, there are safe spaces being built — often away from the spotlight. Across India, organisations are stepping up to offer not just support, but dignity, safety, and a real sense of belonging. Here are five such groups making a difference every single day.

1) Nestam, Andhra Pradesh

Nestam is a leading LGBTQIA support organisation based in Visakhapatnam. Through film screenings, human libraries, Pride Month celebrations, workshops, and seminars, they promote awareness and understanding, especially among police personnel and government officials.

Beyond advocacy, it offers essential support and resources, such as safe housing for the community, and actively encourages the installation of all-gender restrooms across public spaces.

Through short film contests and online events, Nestam challenges stereotypes and promotes acceptance, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive environment for all gender identities and sexual orientations in the coastal state.

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