Kinnar Asmita

Garima Greh serves as a residential establishment catering to homeless members of the transgender community, focusing on their comprehensive development and integration into society. Presently, the second batch comprises 25 transgender individuals who are actively participating in diverse skill development programs such as tailoring, computer courses, beauty and makeup, soap making, and more.
From the initial group of 25 transgenders in the first batch, 22 have attained successful employment opportunities following their skill training at Garima Greh.

Over time, Kinnar Asmita has organized numerous awareness sessions involving various stakeholders, aiming to establish a supportive atmosphere for the transgender community. Their efforts have focused on raising awareness about constitutional rights and The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Additionally, they actively assist community members in obtaining essential documents such as Transgender certificates (54), voter ID cards (480), PAN cards (343), and ration cards (53). These initiatives enable transgender individuals to access social protection and welfare schemes effectively.

Over 1900 Transgenders have received comprehensive support for HIV prevention, treatment, and care, encompassing services like HIV testing, STI screening and treatment, condom distribution, and behaviour change communication sessions. This project extends counselling services at two drop-in centres located in Kalyan and Bhiwandi. Furthermore, the initiative has successfully resolved over 100 cases of violence and crises faced by the community.
As part of this initiative, approximately 190 Transgenders living with HIV are benefiting from specialized HIV treatment and referral services.

Due to discrimination, harassment, and inadequate healthcare facilities, the transgender community in the Thane district faced challenges in accessing COVID-19 vaccination. To address these difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic, Kinnar Asmita took proactive measures to mobilize and facilitate vaccination initiatives for the community:
• 240 Transgenders received both 1st and 2nd doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, aided by Ulhasnagar Corporation, Kalyan Corporation, and Vanya Foundation.
• 149 Transgenders in Kalyan and Bhiwandi areas received their 1st and 2nd doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, supported by Navodaya Foundation.
• 100 Transgenders in Bhiwandi received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, assisted by Bhiwandi Corporation.
• Additionally, 320 Transgenders received a booster dose at Garima Greh shelter home in August 2022, supported by Ulhasnagar Corporation.

Establishment of a social enterprise in Kalyan – Unisex Salon, operated by community members, aimed to deliver premium and discrimination-free beauty services to both Trans community members and the general public. This initiative receives support from USAID and The Humsafar Trust, with technical guidance provided by FHI 360 and SATTVA.