Our Projects
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:
Holistic support to transgender individuals to help them heal from trauma, navigate stigma, and access mental and physical well-being.
National Transgender Sports Event 2025
On the 19th and 20th December, 2025, Tisar Trust represented West Bengal at the National Transgender Sports event, held at the Kota Stadium, Raipur, Chattisgarh. We participated in this prestigious event with a contingent of 9 transgender athletes.
Awareness to Action:
A One-Day Transgender Awareness Programme
(For ASHA workers, at the South Dum Dum Municipal Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal)
The "Awareness to Action" programme was successfully conducted on January 21, 2026, at the South Dum Dum Municipal Hospital. Designed specifically for 45 ASHA workers, the primary goal was to bridge the knowledge gap in transgender healthcare, moving from basic awareness to practical, compassionate action in community health settings. The programme achieved significant success, with 100% attendance and active participation. Key outcomes include a measurable increase in participants' self-reported confidence in addressing transgender health needs and a commitment to apply inclusive practices in their fieldwork. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A key recommendation is to institutionalize this training annually and expand it to include other frontline health staff within the municipal system to foster a more inclusive public health environment.
Awareness and Community Discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and Transgender Enumeration Issues
TISAR Trust organized an important community Awareness Program on SIR in West Bengal & Challenges of Transgender Inclusion in Voter List and Citizenship Rights. The event highlighted the significance of SIR, discussed challenges faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals during fill enumeration form and documents and guided participants on how to correctly fill the Enumeration Form. The program also shared details about TISAR Trust’s advocacy initiative, raised through the ABP Ananda Bangla TV news channel.
