TISAR began as a grassroots effort
friends and community members coming together to support each other, speak up in national consultations, and build networks to fight stigma.
Our early work was simple and powerful: informal support groups, sharing real stories, and pushing for legal recognition and better access to healthcare. Those efforts grew into TISAR Trust — a community space led by transmasculine people and built on justice, dignity, and care.
Today, TISAR is a transgender-led organization based in North 24 Parganas with reach across West Bengal.
We are a pan-Bengal transmasculine collective working to uplift transgender, gender-diverse, and LGBTQ+ people — especially those assigned female at birth — through advocacy, healthcare access, education, and community support.
We imagine a society that respects gender diversity,
protects human rights, and lets every trans person live with dignity and freedom. We believe real healing and empowerment come from within the community and must be backed by fair systems and inclusive policies.
Meet Our Trustee Members
RAHUL MITRA
Founder and Managing Director
Rahul Mitra is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion. As the founder of TISAR (Transmasculine Initiative for Solidarity, Advocacy, and Resistance), Rahul brings a wealth of lived experience and resilience to his work. A proud transgender man and a relentless gender rights activist, Rahul has been at the forefront of dismantling systemic barriers faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals in West Bengal and beyond.
Under his leadership, TISAR has grown into a beacon of hope, empowering marginalized communities through advocacy, education, and community-led initiatives. Rahul’s groundbreaking initiatives, such as employment inclusion campaigns, healthcare outreach, and cultural events, have inspired societal change while fostering acceptance and solidarity.
His commitment to justice and inclusivity has made Rahul a trailblazer in the LGBTQIA+ movement, and his empathetic approach ensures that every individual touched by TISAR’s efforts feels seen, heard, and supported.
SHYAMA DAS
Co-Founder and Director
Shyama Das is a dedicated and compassionate grassroots leader who serves as the co-founder and director of TISAR. A proud transman with deep ties to the community, Shyama is known for his honesty, humility, and unwavering commitment to uplifting transgender and gender-diverse individuals at the grassroots level.
With a hands-on approach to advocacy, Shyama thrives in creating meaningful connections with marginalized individuals, ensuring their voices are amplified and their needs addressed. His passion lies in empowering grassroots transgender individuals through education, healthcare access, and skill-building opportunities, believing that true change starts from the ground up.
Shyama’s genuine love for his work and his ability to foster trust within the community have made him an indispensable pillar of TISAR. His efforts reflect the organization’s mission of solidarity, inclusion, and resilience, making him a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
APARNA DAS
Co-Founder and Directo
Aparna Das is a compassionate social worker and a driving force behind TISAR’s mission of advocacy, support, and empowerment. As Co-Founder and Director, Aparna’s deep empathy, exceptional understanding of community challenges, and outstanding counseling abilities make her an invaluable asset to the organization.
Aparna’s natural ability to connect with individuals on a personal level, combined with her unwavering commitment to social justice, ensures that every person she works with feels supported and valued. Her skill in counseling has helped countless transgender and gender-diverse individuals navigate life’s challenges, empowering them to reclaim their dignity and confidence. Continues to inspire change and build bridges of solidarity within the community, driving TISAR’s vision with a rare blend of professionalism and heartfelt sympathy, Aparna of equity and inclusion.
Vision
At TISAR, we dream of a world where transgender people are not just accepted but truly celebrated for their strength, identity, and resilience. We work towards a society where our community can thrive with equal rights, opportunities, and access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
Our vision is simple yet powerful: a life of dignity, justice, and visibility for every transgender person—free from fear or discrimination, and recognized as a valued part of humanity.
Objectives
At TISAR (Transmasculine Initiative for Solidarity, Advocacy, and Resistance), our primary objective is to uplift and empower transmasculine and gender-diverse individuals by ensuring their fundamental rights, dignity, and well-being are upheld at every level of society.
We recognize the deep-rooted barriers faced by the transgender community—ranging from lack of access to gender-affirmative healthcare to economic instability and social exclusion. Through a multi-dimensional approach, TISAR works to dismantle these barriers and build a future where every trans person can live authentically, safely, and with pride.
Mission
At TISAR, our mission is to support and uplift transgender, transmasculine, and gender-diverse individuals so they can live with dignity, safety, and pride.
We work to ensure that every person—no matter their gender identity—has access to healthcare, education, basic needs, and opportunities for a better life. By offering resources, emotional support, and skill-building programs, we help people become more confident, independent, and empowered.
We also speak out against discrimination and misinformation. Through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and training sessions, we educate families, healthcare providers, and the wider public about the rights and realities of transgender people.
TISAR believes that real change happens when people come together. That’s why we work closely with communities, organizations, and allies to build a society that is more understanding, respectful, and inclusive—where everyone is free
Strategy
we work through a multi-pronged approach to support the transgender and gender-diverse community. Our core strategies focus on healing, education, empowerment, and systemic change.
Prevention & Healing Services
We offer holistic support to transgender individuals to help them heal from trauma, navigate stigma, and access mental and physical well-being.
Stakeholder Training & Capacity Building
To create an inclusive society, we engage institutions, service providers, and community leaders through targeted training programs.
Public & Policy Advocacy
TISAR works to influence change at the policy level to create a just and inclusive society for all gender identities.
Gender-Affirmative Health Camps
TISAR regularly organizes free health camps to make essential healthcare more accessible for transgender individuals.