who we are
Raahi is a Karnataka-based organisation that works on the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a special focus on the issues and needs of trans men and partners of trans men, queer, lesbian and bisexual women, gender non-conforming and non-binary persons, and persons with intersex variations. The name “Raahi'' was chosen through a collective process to symbolise our role as co-travellers on the journey towards dignity.
Raahi is invested in strengthening education, training and sensitisation on gender and sexuality rights, building community theatre as a tool for critically engaging with the public and ongoing advocacy with the State and its agencies.
Our main areas of work are crisis intervention, advocacy and sensitisation, and capacity building. We run a helpline for emergency calls and provides pro bono legal aid and advice, short-term shelter, medical support (including mental health support) and referrals to service providers to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly persons from vulnerable and marginalised backgrounds.
Upcoming Events
What We Do
Crisis Intervention
Our main area of work is providing pro bono support to trans men, partners of trans men, lesbian, bisexual and queer women, gender non-conforming and non-binary persons, and persons with intersex vairations, facing crisis. We understand that a crisis is any situation or circumstance that makes a person feel marginalised, threatened or vulnerable. Hence, our interventions are needs-based and can include legal aid and advice, mental health support, short-term shelter, referrals for medical support, and assistance with legally affirming one’s gender identity.
Advocacy & Sensitization
Raahi is invested in sustained advocacy and sensitisation of government personnel and departments through regular meetings, engagement and networking. We work with the BBMP, DWCD, and the police, among others, to put forward the needs and experiences of the communities we support. We also help non-government agencies and entities through trainings and consultations related to LGBTQIA+ issues.
Capacity Building for Community Members
We work towards making information about changing laws, policies and schemes pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community easily available in multiple languages through trainings, workshops, consultations and publications. Our capacity building work is aimed at sharing essential information and tools that can equip community members to handle crises independently, stay up to date on changing legal protections and as an opportunity for us to stay connected with the community.
Meet The Team
Astha Kalarikkal
( Suchithra KK )
She/Her
Executive Director
Astha Kalarikkal is a co-founding member and the current Executive Director of Raahi, Bangalore. Her areas of work are gender and sexuality, crisis intervention andcommunity theatre.
She has a flair for languages, and supports various community-based organisations in Bangalore and Kerala with English and Malayalam translation and transcription. She has worked with other sexuality and gender movements in Kerala.
Sathyakala KK
She/Her
Finance Manager
Sathyakala K K is a Graduate in B.Sc. and completed her MA Sociology from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application.
She has been working with the LGBTQI+ Community in various capacities with various different groups since 2010. She has a passion for theatre and is an experienced performer. She is also a co-founding member and the current Finance Manager of Raahi, Bangalore.
Nathaan Madhavi
He/Him
Program Manager
Nathaan M completed his Post Graduation Diploma in Journalism and Communication from Kerala Media Academy (Formerly Kerala Press Academy) Kochi.
He has 5 years’ experience as a freelance designer and content writer. He has worked at several media channels including Kerala Vision, The Editor and Suprabhaatham Daily, as a reporter and an editor. Nathaan is currently working as a Program Manager at Raahi, Bangalore. He is also PR/Social media manager/Designer at Sahayatrika, Thrissur, Kerala.
Durka Devi P
She/Her
Administrator (Office & Program)
Durka Devi P has completed her B.Com (Computer Application) from Ayyan Thiruvalluvar College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. She is experienced in data entry, office administration and management, network marketing and telemarketing. She is invested in crisis intervention and management. Durka is currently Raahi's Administrator.
CONTACT
Helpline - 9739780319
Monday to Friday 11 AM - 6 PM
Mail - raahithejourney@gmail.com
VISIT
No. 5 , 5th Cross, Atmananda Colony, Manorayanapalya, RT Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560032
Monday to Friday 11 AM - 6 PM