CBM India Launches Stakeholder Consultation to Shape LGBTQIA+ Health and Livelihood Initiative in Bengaluru

CBM India convened a multi-stakeholder consultation titled "Understanding Community Realities, Voices and Perspectives of LGBTQIA+, with a Special Focus on Transgender Persons" in Bengaluru on Friday, bringing together LGBTQIA+ community representatives, government officials, development practitioners and civil society organisations.

The consultation marks the foundation of Project Sparsh, a proposed initiative by CBM India aimed at strengthening healthcare, livelihoods and social inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people in Bengaluru. The organisation said the project has been designed around the lived experiences of the community to ensure future interventions reflect their priorities and aspirations.

Government, Community and Development Sector Unite

The consultation was inaugurated by Smt. Padma Basavanthappa, IAS, Project Director, Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka.

The event also featured addresses by Dr. Dhananjay T. N., Joint Director, Targeted Interventions, KSAPS; Dr. Rajini G. N., Assistant Director, Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission, KSAPS and Joint Director, National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director of CBM India Trust.

The speakers highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to improve healthcare, livelihood opportunities and social protection for LGBTQIA+ communities.

Project Sparsh to Focus on Inclusive Development

"Marginalized communities understand their realities better than anyone else, and their voices must shape the programs and policies meant to serve them. Project Sparsh is built on the principles of participation, dignity, and partnership. While Bengaluru has emerged as an important hub for diversity and inclusion, many LGBTQIA+ persons continue to face barriers in accessing employment, healthcare, and public services. Through this consultation, we hope to co-create solutions that strengthen access to opportunities while advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people," said Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India.

Smt. Padma Basavanthappa said partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community groups are essential to expanding opportunities in healthcare, skill development and economic empowerment for LGBTQIA+ communities.

"Initiatives like this highlight the importance of collaboration between the government, NGOs, and communities. It is encouraging to see organizations like CBM India working closely with the LGBTQIA+ community on health and livelihoods. There is significant scope to expand opportunities in healthcare, skill development, and economic empowerment, and the government remains committed to supporting such efforts," she said.

Focus on Livelihoods and Social Inclusion

Dr. Dhananjay T. N. stressed the need to strengthen livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment for LGBTQIA+ persons, including support for MSMEs and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Representing the community, transgender rights activist Mallu S. Kumbar, State Coordinator and Program Officer at the Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum (KSMF) and Aneka Trust, highlighted challenges including healthcare costs, unemployment, inadequate medical infrastructure, loss of income during recovery from gender-affirming procedures and social exclusion.

The consultation explored a wide range of issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities, including employment, healthcare, mental health, eye health, financial inclusion, education, access to government welfare schemes, societal acceptance and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ persons with disabilities.

Supporting 1,000 LGBTQIA+ Individuals Through Project Sparsh

The recommendations emerging from the consultation will inform the design and implementation of Project Sparsh. Key focus areas include market-linked skill development, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy, accessible healthcare, HIV and STI support, vision care, awareness of government welfare schemes and legal rights, and community-led support systems.

CBM India said the project aims to improve the health, livelihoods and overall well-being of 1,000 LGBTQIA+ people in Bengaluru through inclusive and community-driven interventions that promote dignity, independence and equal access to essential services.

(Inputs from Press Release)