DARPAN Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2000, is committed to advancing the rights of a cross-section of marginal communities such as Men Having Sex with Men (MSM), Transgender (TG), and the Hijra communities in four districts of Telangana. As a community-based organization (CBO), the acronym DARPAN— Development of Advocacy, Resources, Planning, Awareness, and Networking—exemplifies its commitment to shaping and strengthening community engagement. The organization’s ultimate objective is to improve legal, social, and economic conditions of MSM/TG & Hijra communities in and around the district of Hyderabad; and develop and promote sexual health; human rights, care, and support programmes for them. DARPAN with a committed journey of more than two decades is the pioneer in crisis management through community and stakeholder engagement, solidarity, and network building. DARPAN has been associated with various donors, government agencies, and departments to innovate, plan and implement community-centric development projects, campaigns, and services on STIs/HIV/AIDS, sexual health, livelihood, and community development. The continuous efforts of DARPAN helped them to evolve an indigenous agenda on various issues confronted by large intersect communities such as Hijras, Trans-genders, Male Sex Workers, and PLHAs.
