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Trustees

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Suhail Abbasi (he/him) (Co-Founder & Chairperson)

Suhail Abbasi is a media professional with over 25 years of experience across print, films, television & digital platforms. He holds a Master's degree in Visual Communication from IDC, IIT Bombay. In 1990, he co-founded BOMBAY DOST - India's first registered LGBTQ+ magazine. He's also the Co-Founder & Chairperson of The Humsafar Trust. He was one of the petitioners in the fight against Sec 377. Suhail has been a mentor for budding journalists and film-makers through LIKHO - A Citizen Journalism Workshop and STUDIO DHANAK - A Screen Writing Workshop. He was also a member of the Institutional Review Board of The Humsafar Trust. Suhail also works as a 'proud and out' independent media professional. He has propagated diversity and inclusion in many corporates he has worked with. He has written & directed a short film COVER STORY which highlights the way to deal with your sexuality at workplace. Suhail is also the petitioner for Marriage Equality Rights in the Supreme Court of India, as a Chairperson of INFOSEM (Integrated Network for Sexual Minorities).
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Vivek Raj Anand (he/him) (Chief Executive Officer)

Vivek Anand works as Chief Executive Officer of The Humsafar Trust which is India’s first CBO of sexual minorities. He holds a degree in business management and is responsible for overall implementation of HIV prevention, care and support and treatment along with research, capacity building and advocacy projects. He has presented several papers in national and international conferences since 2002. He has been responsible for Institutionalizing organizational capacities and these systems are considered as model practices in community-based settings.
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Shibu Thomas (he/they) (Board Member)

Shibu Thomas is a senior journalist, who has worked with publications in India and Australia, including The Times Of India, Mid-Day, The Asian Age, and Star Observer. Shibu worked as a Senior Assistant Editor with the Mumbai edition of The Times of India, the largest-selling multi-edition English newspaper in India, and wrote extensively on human rights, gender issues, Gender-Based Violence, environment, and heritage conservation. Shibu has previously led the communications & operations for KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, South Asia's largest LGBTQI+ film festival. Shibu founded the Likho ('write' in Hindi) program in 2015. Likho provides a platform for young writers who write stories about the LGBTQI+ community in India. In 2016, he was selected by the United States Department of State for the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). In 2022, he was selected for Melbourne Business School and Google Australia's Digital News Academy Program
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Dr. Subhojit Sen (he/him) (Board Member)

Subhojit Sen, a Mumbai native of immigrant parents, embarked on a remarkable journey that seamlessly bridged the realms of science and theatre. After completing his education at Vivekananda College and MS University of Baroda, he earned a PhD in molecular biology from TIFR in 2002, followed by research fellowships at NIH, Bethesda, and Johns Hopkins in the USA. His steadfast international support for The Humsafar Trust, spanning advocacy, fundraising, and artistic contributions, played a pivotal role in the organization's growth. Returning to India as a DBT-Ramalingaswami Fellow in 2013, he aimed to give back to the system that had nurtured his diverse pursuits. His diverse skill set in research, education, and advocacy led to his appointment as a Trustee of The Humsafar Trust in 2018, actively contributing to the promotion of societal acceptance for LGBTQIA+ communities. Dr. Sen believes in responsible equity for all freedoms provided to every citizen under the Constitution of India, given to us by Hon. Dr. BR Ambedkar. May the wisdom of our ancestors and our rich inclusive traditions help us achieve the scientific temper and utopic life of equal opportunities for all members of the global society. Our goal is to live to see a day when our very own parents and society will embolden us to lead a dignified life as a queer individual, and Humsafar will become one with the mainstream heartbeat of equitable India.
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Pradipta Ray (she/her) (Board Member)

Pradipta Ray is an award-winning filmmaker, painter, animation artist, and educationist. A visiting Faculty at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and a guest lecturer at the Berlin University of the Arts, SRH Berlin School of Design and Communication, IDC, Mumbai, UID, Gandhinagar, Anant National University, Ahmedabad.
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Amitabh Saksena (he/him) (Board Member)

A well-recognized name in the Lifestyle PR space, Amitabh has over 3 decades of experience in brand communications with some of the best home grown & international brands.

Team Leaders

Murugesan Sivasubramanian (he/him)

Chair - Executive Committee & Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Mr. Murugesan has been working with The Humsafar Trust in the field of sexual health and human rights since 2001. He joined as a peer worker and was one of the first community counsellors at The Humsafar Trust.

murgesh@humsafar.org

Alpana Dange (she/her)

Consultant Director - Research

Ms. Alpana Dange is Consulting research director at The Humsafar Trust. She holds an MA in Political Science from JNU and an M.PhiL from IIT, Mumbai.

alpana@humsafar.org

Sandeep (Sakshi) Mane (she/her, they/them)

Director-Health

Sakshi, with 20+ years of experience, specializes in HIV treatment, prevention, outreach, and working with key populations. Her expertise includes research, capacity building, targeted interventions, and viral suppression.

sandeep@humsafar.org

Shruta Rawat (she/her)

Associate Director - Research

Ms. Shruta Rawat holds a Master in Medicine: HIV AIDS and STI Medicine and is Associate Director, research at The Humsafar Trust, an LGBTQ+ community-led organization in Mumbai.

shruta@humsafar.org

Hemant Thakker (he/him)

Associate Director - Finance

Hemant Thakkar joined the Humsafar Trust as Associate Finance Director. He is having 26 years of experience working in non-profit finance, grants, and administration.

hemant@humsafar.org

Ramesh Jagtap (he/him)

Manager - Finance

Ramesh Jagtap joined as a Project Accountant in 2002. Currently he is in the position of Finance Manager and managing overall finances and Statutory compliances of the organization.

ramesh@humsafar.org

Sumita Mehta (she/her)

Head - HR and Admin

A self-driven HR professional with over 20 years of work experience in Human Resource function, covering the areas of Operations/Generalist, and Administration.

sumita@humsafar.org

Health-Sahyog Clinic

Sujesh Mayilamkunnath (he/him)

Assistant Manager - Health

Sujesh Mayilamkunnath is looking after the Mumbai Clinic Coordination and looks out for the daily operations of the clinic and monthly reporting of the clinic.

sujesh@humsafar.org

Rakesh Thorat (he/him)

Lab In-charge - Mumbai

Rakesh Thorat has been working with The Humsafar Trust for 21 years. In his role, he oversees the flow of the Clinic Lab, signing reports, and presenting clinic data. Additionally, he manages meetings with MDACS.

rakesh@humsafar.org

Malini Mohite (she/her)

Senior HIV Counsellor- Mumbai

Malini Mohite is working with the Humsafar trust for 20 years. She has vast experience in pre and post HIV counselling. She takes care of post and pre counselling of HIV and STI testing.

malini@humsafar.org

Ashish Rathod(he/him)

Senior Lab Technician - Mumbai

Ashish Rathod has been working with us for the past 16 years and is responsible for HIV/VDRL testing of clients in the clinic. Additionally, he assists the Lab InCharge and handles reporting duties.

ashish@humsafar.org

Santosh Karambe (he/him)

Health Care Worker - Mumbai

Santosh Karambe is working as a PLHIV Coordinator for the past 19 years.

santosh@humsafar.org

Ganesh Acharya (he/him)

HIV ART Coordinator-Mumbai

Ganesh Acharya, a TB/HIV activist for 23 years, started as an HIV outreach worker at The Humsafar Trust Mumbai, now advocates through community workshops, and oversees treatment and counseling for HIV individuals.

ganesh@humsafar.org

Poonamchand Bora (he/him)

Health Facilitator-Mumbai

Poonamchand Bora is working with us for the last 19 years and an all-rounder person. He is working as a health facilitator and guides the client of the clinic flow as per requirements.

poonam@humsafar.org

Umang Sharma (he/him)

Receptionist/Clinic Facilitator- Mumbai

Umang Sharma is associated with The Humsafar Trust for the past 10 years and working as a clinic facilitator cum receptionist

umang@humsafar.org

Nikunj K Joshi (he/him)

Clinic Coordinator-Nagpur

Nikunj K Joshi oversees Nagpur Coordination, managing clinic operations and monthly reporting. An LGBTQ+ activist for 18 years, he's the CEO of Sarathi Trust and a senior Master trainer with NACO.

nikunj@humsafar.org

Bella Sharma (she/her)

Clinic Coordinator-Delhi

Bella Sharma is looking after the Delhi Clinic Coordination and looks out for the daily operations of the clinic and monthly reporting of the clinic.

bella@humsafar.org

Health-HIV Target Interventions

Sandeep (Sakshi) Mane (she/her, they/them)

Project Director - Aarambh

Sakshi, with 20+ years of experience, specializes in HIV treatment, prevention, outreach, and working with key populations. Her expertise includes research, capacity building, targeted interventions, and viral suppression.

sandeep@humsafar.org

Aarohi Walunj (she/her)

Program Manager - Aarambh

Aarohi Walung is working with us for the past 17 years towards the HIV/STI prevention outreach activity program for MSM/TG high risk population and managing the Aarambh TI.

aarambh@humsafar.org

Ashish More (he/him)

M&E Officer - Aarambh

aarambh@humsafar.org

Bhargav Gawand (he/him)

Community Counsellor-Aarambh

aarambh@humsafar.org

Amit Jakhal (he/him)

Project Director-Yaarana

Amit Jakhal working at Humsafar Trust last 24th Years for community.

janardhan@humsafar.org

Akshay Keluskar (he/him)

Program Manager-Yaarana

Akshay Keluskar is working with us for the past 4 years towards the HIV/STI prevention outreach activity program for MSM high risk population and managing the Yaarana TI.

yaarana@humsafar.org

Ghanshyam Molparia (he/him)

M&E Officer-Yaarana

yaarana@humsafar.org

Pramod (Pranav) Talgot (he/him)

Community Counsellor-Yaarana

yaarana@humsafar.org

Sujesh Mayilamkunnath (he/him)

Project Director-Dostaana

Sujesh Mayilamkunnath is looking after the Mumbai Clinic Coordination and looks out for the daily operations of the clinic and monthly reporting of the clinic.

sujesh@humsafar.org

Yatin Mhatre (he/him)

Program Manager-Dostaana

Yatin Mhatre is working with us for the past 15 years towards the HIV/STI prevention outreach activity program for MSM high risk population and managing the Dostaana TI.

dostaana@humsafar.org

Ashish (Ashu) Bohir (she/him)

M&E Officer-Dostaana

dostaana@humsafar.org

Anil Kadam (he/him)

Community Counsellor - Dostaana

dostana@humsafar.org

Advocacy

Sudhanshu Latad (he/him)

Manager – Advocacy & Core Member - Yaariyan

Sudhanshu Latad, identifies as a 25-year-old out & proud gay boy. Growing up in Aurangabad, a Tier 3 city in Maharashtra, he moved to Mumbai for his education in 2015.

sudhanshu@humsafar.org

Anjali Siroya (she/her)

Assistant Manager – Advocacy & Core Member - Yaariyan

Anjali Siroya, a Heterosexual Transwoman, is a Capacity Building Officer at The Humsafar Trust.

anjali@humsafar.org

Nilofer Maske (she/her)

Senior Officer- Advocacy

Nilofer, a 35-year-old trans woman from Mumbai, has been dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth health and visibility for the past 7 years.

nilofer@humsafar.org

Dhruv Goenka (he/him)

Advocacy Officer & Core Member - Yaariyan

Dhruv Goenka, an openly gay social work professional, has dedicated 7 years to causes like wildlife conservation and children's education. Currently, he serves as the advocacy officer at The Humsafar Trust.

dhruv@humsafar.org

Vivek Patil (he/him)

M&E Officer

Vivek Patil has been working with The Humsafar Trust for the last 23 years as an Advocacy Officer, supporting the community in crisis situations and engaging in police sensitization.

vivekpatil@humsafar.org

Research

Dr. Jatin Chaudary (he/him)

Senior Associate - Research

A Public Health Professional working as a socio-behavioral health researcher. My area of research pertains to HIV prevention strategies and virtual interventions among key populations in India.

jatin@humsafar.org

Biji Mohan (she/her)

Consultant - Research

As a research consultant with a deep interest in LGBTQ health, I strive to enhance my knowledge and skill in evidence-based practices aimed at addressing the unique health needs of the LGBTQ communities.

biji@humsafar.org

Amit Jakhal (he/him)

Research Assistant

Amit Jakhal is working at Humsafar Trust last 24th Years for community.

janardhan@humsafar.org

Urmi Jadhav (she/her)

Health Care Worker

urmi@humsafar.org

Naveen Mutyala (he/him)

Data Manager

Naveen manages and analyze healthcare data effectively, enabling effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation of public health interventions.

naveen@humsafar.org

Preeti Tripathi (she/her)

Research Assistant

As a Research Assistant with a background in Banking, Social Work, Counselling with hands- on experience in conducting comprehensive research in the fields of HIV and LGBTQ health.

preeti@humsafar.org

Monitoring and Evaluation

Jayakant Singh (he/him)

M&E Manager

jayakant@humsafar.org

Yogesh Sarlam (he/him)

M&E Officer

yogesh@humsafar.org

Finance

Hitesh Patil (he/him)

Assistant Manager – Finance & Compliance

Hitesh Patil joined HST in 2006 as an ORW, later becoming an Accountant for the DIFI Challenge Project.

hitesh@humsafar.org

Sanket Ghanekar (he/him)

Senior Officer – Finance

Sanket Ghanekar, working in The Humsafar Trust for the last 16 years.

sanket@humsafar.org

Pooja Falle Mudras (she/her)

Senior Officer – Finance

Post Graduate in accounts (M. com) with 10+ Years experience in the accounting and Finance. Currently handling Global Fund NETREACH Project. Experience of Global fund projects audits.

pooja@humsafar.org

Rajashree Dhaygude (she/her)

Finance Officer

rajashree@humsafar.org

Ajay Prajapati (he/him)

Finance Officer

ajay@humsafar.org

HR and Admin

Mukesh Surve (he/him)

IT Manager

mukesh@humsafar.org

Bachchan Chauhan (he/him)

Admin Incharge

He is working with us for the past 23 years and looks out for the overall administration and coordination of The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai.

bachchan@humsafar.org

Communications Team

Archana Shetty (she/her)

Communications Manager

archana@humsafar.org

Nipun (Nymisha) Srivastava (she/her)

Social Media Specialist

nipun@humsafar.org

Aishwarya Kaul (they/them)

Communications Manager

aishwarya@humsafar.org