For over three decades, the Naz Foundation has been at the forefront of social change in India – challenging stigma, advocating for policy reforms, and creating safe spaces for marginalised communities. Best known for its pivotal role in the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the foundation has expanded its focus beyond HIV/AIDS advocacy to champion LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health support, and inclusive healthcare. In this conversation, Anjali Gopalan, the trailblazing founder of Naz Foundation, shares insights into the organisation’s journey, the pressing challenges ahead, and the role businesses and individuals can play in fostering a more inclusive society.

Q&A with Naz Foundation 

Abhinandan Dheiman: You helped change Indian history with your work on decriminalising homosexuality. It’s how many young Indians like me who’ve heard of the Naz Foundation know of you. Can you give us a sense of the work you do? How has it changed from 1994, when you began, to 2024?  

Anjali Gopalan: Naz Foundation was established in 1994 to address the HIV/AIDS crisis, focusing on prevention, care, and education, especially for marginalised groups like sex workers, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people living with HIV. At that time, the mission was to bridge the gap in healthcare, support, and education by offering essential services to communities often neglected by mainstream healthcare systems. 

In 2024, while continuing its work in HIV care and prevention, Naz Foundation's scope expanded to focus on empowerment, inclusion, and equality. We now offer comprehensive services that address not just physical health but also mental well-being, queer inclusion, and legal support. Our work today is more holistic and advocacy-driven, reflecting the changing needs of marginalised communities in India.

The LGBTQIA+ Centre in New Delhi, launched by the Naz Foundation in 2023, is a pioneering space dedicated to the holistic support and empowerment of the LGBTQIA+ community in India. This Centre offers a variety of essential services, including pro bono mental health counseling, HIV testing, access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medications, and legal aid. The goal is to create a safe, inclusive environment where individuals from marginalised sexual and gender identities can receive both healthcare and psycho-social support.

In addition to these critical services, the Centre also serves as a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts events such as Queer Heritage Walks and Queerkhana, which celebrate queer culture, art, and history, fostering a sense of community. These activities are aimed at building capacity and social engagement, creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can feel seen, heard, and supported.

The Centre's programs go beyond healthcare to also focus on education and advocacy. Workshops and training sessions are held regularly, aimed at raising awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues and equipping individuals with tools for activism. By doing so, the Centre empowers individuals to not only advocate for themselves but also for the broader community.

The launch of this Centre is part of Naz Foundation’s evolving journey from its early work in HIV/AIDS prevention to becoming a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being. The Centre has become an essential resource for the queer community in Delhi and beyond, contributing significantly to the fight for equality and inclusion in India.

AD: You emphasise “Be who you are” in your work. How does that work at Naz itself? Can you tell us a little about your policies and processes in this regard?

AG: At Naz Foundation, we live by the principle of "Be who you are" by fostering an inclusive, queer-affirmative work environment where every individual, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, feels welcomed and respected. This is reflected in our daily practices and workplace policies. We actively focus on hiring and supporting individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, with a special emphasis on marginalised groups within the community, such as transgender and non-binary individuals. This ensures that our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Inclusive hiring practices also ensure that applicants and employees can self-identify and be recognised by their chosen pronouns and names.

Beyond hiring, our DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives extend to creating a workplace culture where inclusivity thrives. This includes providing gender-neutral facilities, like washrooms, and ensuring representation from diverse identities at all levels of decision-making. We enforce a strict no-discrimination policy with zero tolerance for harassment or exclusion based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or any personal characteristic. This commitment applies to all stakeholders, from employees to those accessing our services. We prioritise mental health by creating safe spaces for open dialogue, encouraging team members to express themselves freely in a non-judgmental environment. Tailored support services ensure that mental well-being remains a top priority, especially for queer individuals who often face unique challenges.

AD: HIV/AIDS advocacy is such a huge part of India’s public health history, and also its queer history. But to many people it can also seem like history. Can you tell us a little about your ongoing work in this regard? What is something corporate India and companies like Godrej can do to be more inclusive in this regard?

AG: HIV/AIDS advocacy has always been at the heart of Naz Foundation’s work, from our early days in the 1990s up until today. While there have been remarkable strides in awareness, prevention, and treatment, HIV/AIDS is far from being "history," particularly for marginalised communities like the LGBTQIA+ population. The stigma and discrimination that continue to surround HIV/AIDS in India mean that advocacy remains as relevant and necessary as ever.

Our ongoing work focuses on providing comprehensive healthcare services—including HIV testing, counseling, and access to PrEP and PEP medications—at the LGBTQIA+ Centre in New Delhi. We believe that these services need to be both accessible and affirming to ensure that people from diverse sexual orientations and gender identities feel safe accessing care without fear of judgment. But advocacy doesn’t stop with healthcare; it extends to education and awareness-building within the broader community to destigmatise HIV/AIDS and encourage open conversations around sexual health.

As for corporate India, companies like Godrej can play a significant role in this space by promoting inclusivity and support for HIV-positive individuals within their workforce. This can be done by establishing and implementing non-discriminatory HIV workplace policies that ensure individuals living with HIV have equal access to employment opportunities, without fear of stigma or dismissal. Integrating HIV awareness and sexual health into corporate wellness programs. Provide resources for HIV testing and counseling as part of broader health initiatives. Corporates can support organisations like Naz through funding and collaboration. This can help us expand services and reach more individuals in need, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

Corporate involvement in HIV/AIDS advocacy not only contributes to a healthier society but also fosters a more inclusive, supportive workplace where all employees feel valued. Inclusivity in this regard is not just about policies but creating a culture that actively supports health and diversity.

Still from DEI Workshop organised by Naz Foundation 

AD: What are some of the major bends in the road ahead for LGBTQIA+ health and well-being? How can ordinary citizens and businesses participate in creating a better and more just world in this regard?

AG: As we look ahead, our ongoing work emphasises advocacy, healthcare and community-building to address some critical areas. One of the largest issues facing the community is access to LGBTQIA+ affirming healthcare. While we have made strides in HIV testing, counseling, and access to PrEP and PEP, many in the community still face barriers when accessing general healthcare. The road ahead involves expanding healthcare services that are affirming, affordable, and widely available to marginalised individuals.

Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, remain disproportionately high in the LGBTQIA+ community due to societal stigma and discrimination. At Naz, our work continues to focus on mental health counseling, which is available at our LGBTQIA+ Centre in Delhi, but there is a need to scale these services. We urge both public institutions and private companies to invest in mental health programs tailored to the unique needs of queer and transgender individuals.

Corporate India has a crucial role in creating a more just and inclusive world for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Companies can include implementing strong anti-discrimination policies, creating LGBTQIA+ employee resource groups, and offering benefits like healthcare for same-sex partners or gender-affirming surgeries. We believe that ordinary citizens have a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive society. Small but meaningful actions, such as educating oneself about LGBTQIA+ issues, confronting stigma, and standing up for the rights of marginalised individuals, can go a long way. By supporting organisations like Naz, either through donations or volunteering, citizens can actively contribute to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in their communities.

While the decriminalisation of Section 377 was a major victory, the legal landscape for LGBTQIA+ individuals in India remains incomplete. We continue to advocate for policies that promote equal rights, including protections against workplace discrimination, recognition of same-sex partnerships, and safeguarding the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals. Our legal and policy work will remain a key focus in the coming years.

In conclusion, creating a better future for LGBTQIA+ health and well-being requires the collective effort of citizens, businesses, and policymakers. At Naz Foundation, we will continue to lead this fight, providing essential healthcare and advocacy services while working to eliminate stigma and promote equality across all sectors of society. Together, we can ensure that the future is inclusive and just for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

AD: What does the future look like for the Naz Foundation? How does your focus on ensuring equitable opportunities for young people; health and well-being for LGBTQIA+ folks and children living with HIV/AIDS (CLHA); as well as policy advocacy sustain, and how do you imagine it expanding?

AG: The Naz Foundation has a dynamic vision for the future, driven by its core belief in ensuring equitable opportunities for young people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and children living with HIV/AIDS (CLHA). As we continue to grow, the focus is on sustaining and expanding key initiatives that promote health, well-being, education, and advocacy. Our commitment to LGBTQIA+ health continues to evolve through the LGBTQIA+ Centre in Delhi, which provides services like mental health counseling, HIV testing, and access to PrEP and PEP medications. The future lies in expanding these services across India, making affirming healthcare more accessible to queer and transgender individuals, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Beyond healthcare, we aim to strengthen our mental health support systems, offer legal aid, and build more safe spaces for community engagement.

As the social climate changes, we are also advocating for the legal recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights in areas like marriage equality, workplace discrimination protections, and gender-affirming care. Collaborating with corporate India and global partners will be crucial to driving this advocacy forward.

For children living with HIV/AIDS (CLHA), Naz remains steadfast in ensuring access to healthcare, education, and a supportive environment. While medical treatments have advanced, the social stigma around HIV/AIDS remains pervasive. Moving forward, we are focusing on not just the medical aspects, but also on social inclusion, ensuring that these children are not marginalised in schools or communities. Our plan is to build partnerships with more schools, policymakers, and social workers to create holistic care systems for CLHA. We aim to expand outreach and advocacy to ensure that these children grow up with the opportunities and support they need to thrive, free from discrimination.

Naz has always been at the forefront of policy advocacy, particularly in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention and the decriminalisation of homosexuality. As we look ahead, we envision expanding our advocacy efforts to include comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings.Also initiate policy reforms that address issues of sexual and reproductive health for all marginalised groups, including youth, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Legal recognition for the diverse family structures in India, including same-sex partnerships and gender-diverse individuals, which will be central to ensuring social and economic equality for LGBTQIA+ folks. We believe the future of Naz will see more partnerships, particularly with corporate entities, to fund and expand our programs. Collaborations with global health organisations and international human rights bodies will also help amplify our advocacy efforts on the global stage.

In summary, the future of the Naz Foundation is rooted in expansion—expanding our services, our reach, and our impact. We are dedicated to empowering young people, promoting health and well-being for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and continuing to be at the forefront of policy advocacy in India. Through partnerships, collaboration, and community-driven efforts, we aim to build a more just and equitable society for all.

Sensitisation session held by Naz Foundation 

AD: How do you measure the impact of the work you do? We’d like to offer readers of this interview a practical sense of how a non-profit like Naz tracks and analyses their achievements and challenges.

AG: At Naz Foundation, we measure the impact of our work using a mix of quantitative and qualitative tools. We track the number of people reached through programs like HIV testing, counseling, literacy programs, and empowerment initiatives. These numbers help assess the scale of our outreach. Personal testimonials and case studies provide deeper insights into how our programs impact individuals. These stories highlight changes in behavior, mental health, and personal growth.

We also conduct assessments to measure knowledge, skills, and attitudinal shifts before and after participation. We track long-term outcomes for children living with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQIA+ individuals, looking at health, education, and social integration over time. We partner with independent evaluators to analyse our programs and identify challenges, which helps us improve our services.

Additionally, perspective-taking and feedback collection is a crucial part of our process. We actively gather feedback from program participants, partners, and stakeholders to understand the on-ground reality and ensure our initiatives meet the evolving needs of the community.

Through this combination of continuous monitoring and structured review, we track our impact while remaining responsive to challenges, ensuring that our work consistently advances the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalised groups.

Image provided by the Naz team. Interview by Abhinandan Dheiman.