Trustees
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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 - Health
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
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
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
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