Sahodaran
Promotes health, rights, and dignity of LGBTQIA+ communities through support services, advocacy, and awareness programs.
- FCRA
About
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Headquarters
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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Since
1996
Sahodaran is a pioneering community-based organization (CBO) in Chennai, India, established in 1996 and officially registered in 1998. Founded by Suni Read morel Menon, South India's first openly gay man, Sahodaran was created to support men who have sex with men (MSM) from low-income backgrounds, focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention, care services, and social support . Over the years, Sahodaran has expanded its reach to include transgender women and the broader LGBTQIA+ community, providing services such as confidential STD testing, counseling, crisis intervention, and income generation programs . The organization also operates a community-run Drop-In Center, offering a safe space for treatment, social support, and leisure activities . Sahodaran's efforts extend beyond healthcare, aiming to transform social attitudes through sensitization workshops with students, police officers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders. The organization has been instrumental in fostering community leadership, establishing sister organizations like Thozhi, Snegithi, and the Indian Transgender Initiative to support various segments of the LGBTQIA+ community .
Demographies Served
Cause Area
Programs
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Transforming Social Attitudes – Building Inclusive Communities
Sahodaran’s “Transforming Social Attitudes” program focuses on reshaping societal perceptions of gender and sexual diversity through awareness, education, and advocacy. It conducts sensitization programs for parents, jamath leaders, police, shopkeepers, and landlords to promote acceptance and create community-friendly spaces. At the state and national level, it engages with students, researchers, political and religious leaders via workshops, theatre, and dialogue. The initiative also champions media advocacy, public protests, and cultural celebrations while supporting MSM-based research. Volunteers, including UG and PG students, gain firsthand experience through participation, helping drive change from grassroots to policy level.
Demographics & Structure
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No. of Employees
21-50
M&E
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Internal, External Assessors
No
Policies
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Ethics and Transparency Policies
No
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Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy
No
Political & Religious Declarations
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On Affiliation if any
No
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On Deployment Bias if any
No
Registration Details
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Registration ID
480/2002
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VO ID / Darpan ID
TN/2016/0099300
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FCRA
75901329
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CSR Registration Number
Not Available
Location
Other Details
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Type & Sub Type
Non-profit
Trust