Voices for Rights. Spaces for Dignity. Communities for Change.

For many people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who grow into identities beyond womanhood — including trans men, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals — the journey of self-realisation often comes with difficult consequences. Coming out can trigger surveillance, coercion, emotional abuse, and pressure to conform to rigid expectations around gender, marriage, and family life.

When these individuals are also in relationships — particularly with partners who were assigned female at birth — the risks multiply. Families and communities frequently respond with hostility, forcing couples to choose between safety and staying together. For many, leaving home becomes the only option.

Our shelter exists to ensure that no one has to make that choice.

Why This Shelter Matters

Across many support systems, the experiences of transmasculine and AFAB gender-diverse communities often remain invisible. Even within queer spaces, the specific challenges faced by people assigned female at birth who do not identify as women are frequently overlooked. This shelter was created to fill that gap.

This shelter was created to fill that gap.

It provides a discreet and secure living environment for transmasculine individuals and their partners — a place where residents can find stability, care, and the freedom to live authentically without fear.

What We Provide

Residents are supported with a holistic approach that prioritises safety, dignity, and autonomy. The shelter offers:

• Safe and confidential accommodation for individuals and couples
• Mental health support through trained counsellors
• Legal assistance for documentation, protection, and rights awareness
• Employment and livelihood support to build financial independence
• Access to social entitlements and identity documentation
• Referrals for gender-affirming healthcare and medical services

Residents can stay for an extended period — up to one year — allowing them time to stabilise their lives, explore opportunities, and build supportive networks.

A Community-Centered Approach

Not every transmasculine person chooses medical or legal transition, and each individual’s journey is different. Our approach respects these differences and places the resident’s choices at the centre of all support services.

Safety is combined with agency: residents are never prevented from reconnecting with their families if they choose to do so. Support here is about expanding options, not restricting them.

Safety and Confidentiality

Given the risks faced by many residents, confidentiality is essential. The shelter’s location remains undisclosed and strict safety protocols are followed to protect the privacy and security of those who stay here. Our goal is to ensure that every resident can live free from threats, surveillance, or forced separation from their loved ones.

Our goal is to ensure that every resident can live free from threats, surveillance, or forced separation from their loved ones.

A Step Toward Change

This shelter is more than a temporary home — it is a step toward a society where transmasculine people and their partners can live openly, safely, and with dignity. By building supportive spaces and communities, we aim to create pathways toward independence, wellbeing, and belonging.

By building supportive spaces and communities, we aim to create pathways toward independence, wellbeing, and belonging.

State Documents

• State Trans Gender ID Card, Section VI, Section VII ID cards as per Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, Birth certificate, caste certificate, domicile, and other state-issued documents

Legal Affidavits

• Assistance with name and gender marker corrections
• Notarized affidavits for legal recognition

Central ID Documents

• Passport, PAN card, voter ID

National Identity & Address Updates

• Aadhar, government records, change of address

Financial & Tax Documents

• PF, bank accounts, tax-related documentation

Other Essential Documents

• Any other official papers necessary for social, educational, or healthcare access

• Payment of school & college fees
• Provision of school supplies, uniforms, and learning materials
• Life skills workshops, mentoring, and leadership programs
• Protection from discrimination, abuse, and school dropout
• Ensures equitable academic, social, and emotional development

• Access to safe workplaces and inclusive employment
• Crisis support and business grants
• Vocational training and career skill development
• Assistance accessing government schemes and welfare programs
• Reduces economic vulnerability and promotes independence

• Legal sensitization workshops for lawyers, police, and institutions
• Policy submissions and research-based advocacy
• Sectoral advocacy: healthcare, education, employment, WASH, SRHR, social protections
• Conferences, collaboration, and coalition-building
• Ensures institutional recognition and systemic change