Our Pojects
Transmasculine Collective Engagement on TG Protection Bill
In 2015, our transmasculine collective came together for a series of focused meetings and discussions around the draft Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill introduced in Parliament. These gatherings marked an important moment of collective reflection, critique, and resistance, particularly from the lens of transmasculine and AFAB (assigned female at birth) persons.
2016–2017: Visibility and Solidarity at Kolkata Rainbow Pride
In both 2016 and 2017, our transmasculine collective actively participated in the Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk, standing in solidarity with the broader LGBTQIA+ community.
These marches were powerful moments of visibility, allowing transmasculine individuals—often rendered invisible within mainstream narratives—to assert their presence, identities, and demands for equality and recognition.
With slogans and collective strength, we walked not just for ourselves, but for a future where all transgender and gender diverse people can live with dignity, rights, and pride.
Recognition and Visibility – A Milestone Moment
In September 2017, the Rotaract Club of Kolkata took a significant step toward inclusivity by felicitating a transman from our collective for his courage and contribution to the community.
This recognition was more than an individual honor—it marked a historic moment for transmasculine visibility in public spaces. For the first time, a mainstream youth platform acknowledged the lived realities and leadership of a transmasculine person, helping challenge stereotypes and broaden social awareness.
This moment inspired many within our community and reinforced the importance of visibility in the journey toward acceptance and equality.
Transmasculine Participation in World AIDS Day
On World AIDS Day 2017, members of the transmasculine collective stood in solidarity with the transfeminine (trans sister) community, joining hands in awareness events, street marches, and public gatherings in Kolkata.
Together, we raised our voices to challenge HIV stigma, demand inclusive healthcare, and highlight the need for visibility of transmasculine individuals in HIV advocacy—a space where we are often overlooked.
This joint participation symbolized unity, resilience, and shared struggle, reinforcing the message that the fight against HIV is also a fight for dignity, equity, and recognition for all transgender and gender diverse lives.
First-Ever Participation in Intersectional Rally
In 2018, for the first time in Kolkata, the transmasculine collective proudly participated in a public rally jointly organized by trans, queer, and women’s rights organizations.
This historic moment marked a powerful step toward intersectional solidarity and visibility of transmasculine voices within broader social justice movements. Marching alongside feminist, queer, and transfeminine allies, the collective raised demands for gender justice, bodily autonomy, and recognition of diverse identities.
The rally symbolized unity in diversity, opening new spaces for collaboration and collective action toward an inclusive and equitable society.
First-Ever Participation in Intersectional Rally
In September 2017, the Rotaract Club of Kolkata took a significant step toward inclusivity by felOn 6th September 2018, the Supreme Court of India made history by reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, decriminalizing consensual same-sex relationships among adults.
The transmasculine collective stood together with the larger LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate this landmark judgment, which affirmed our rights, dignity, and freedom to love.
We participated in public gatherings, solidarity events, and street celebrations in Kolkata, marking this moment as a collective victory after years of struggle. For many in our collective, it was the first time experiencing such a visible affirmation of identity and existence. This day remains a milestone in our journey toward justice and equality.icitating a transman from our collective for his courage and contribution to the community.
TISAR Trust – Formation and COVID-19 Relief Efforts
TISAR Trust was formally established on 2nd February 2020, just a month before the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown began. Despite being a newly formed organization, TISAR quickly stepped in as a vital bridge of support for the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community during the crisis.
During the lockdown period, TISAR facilitated:
We offer holistic support to transgender individuals to help them heal from trauma, navigate stigma, and access mental and physical well-being.