LGBTQube: A Bold Step Toward Trans-Inclusion

In the heart of Bengaluru, a stunning art installation called the LGBTQube became a symbol of hope, awareness, and inclusion. This massive Rubik’s Cube, painted in vibrant Pride colors, stood as a beacon to raise awareness about the health needs of transgender individuals. Through its message and engagement, the LGBTQube touched tens of thousands of lives, sparking conversations and action toward creating a more inclusive society.

Reach Lives volunteers with the LGBTQube

50 trans-persons saw their first movie in a multiplex

Why Focus on Trans-Health?

The transgender community in India faces unique challenges in accessing healthcare, including:

1. Discrimination in Healthcare Institutions: Many trans-persons are treated poorly or denied care altogether due to stigma.

2. Lack of Knowledge Among Healthcare Workers: Significant gaps in understanding trans-specific health issues often lead to inadequate treatment.

3. Opportunity Costs of Accessing Care: For trans-persons who rely on daily wages or begging, seeking healthcare means sacrificing income, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

   
   

These challenges inspired Reach Lives to create a platform that would not only raise awareness but also provide tangible support.

LGBTQube: Raising Awareness and Funds

In collaboration with the Bengaluru community, the LGBTQube was launched as a powerful initiative during Pride Month. Here's what made it impactful:

• Engagement: Tens of thousands of individuals interacted with the installation, creating widespread awareness about the challenges faced by the transgender community.

• Fundraising: Donations raised through the LGBTQube helped fund critical trans-inclusion programs, including healthcare, nourishment, and livelihood support.

• Visibility: Positioned in a central location, the LGBTQube brought conversations about trans-rights and health to the forefront of public discourse.

Ongoing Trans-Inclusion Projects

Building on the success of the LGBTQube, Reach Lives has continued to support the transgender community through various initiatives:

• Healthcare Accessibility: Setting up health programs in 10+ trans-communities and addressing trans-specific health needs in Bengaluru.

• Nutrition and Livelihood Support: Delivering ration kits and launching livelihood programs to empower trans-persons economically.

• Nurturing Safe Spaces: Partnering with Nammane Summane, India’s first trans-run orphanage, to provide health support and advocacy.

A Brighter Future for Trans-Inclusion

The LGBTQube was more than just an art installation—it was a call to action. By addressing trans-health needs, supporting livelihoods, and spreading awareness, Reach Lives is helping to build a future where everyone, regardless of gender identity, has access to dignity, care, and opportunity.

Tweets from people we engaged through the LGBTQube project:

Join Us in Supporting Trans-Inclusion

The journey toward equality is far from over. You can help create a more inclusive society:

• Donate to support our trans-health initiatives.

• Volunteer to be a part of programs that empower marginalized communities.

• Partner with us to amplify the impact of trans-inclusion efforts.

  
  

Learn more: www.reachlives.com

50 trans-persons saw their FIRST MOVIE in a multiplex

In honour of Pride Month 2022, Reach Lives is launching the ‘LGBTQube Project’ in Bengaluru. As part of our Pride month outreach, Reach Lives has also partnered with BookMyShow (Book A Smile) to host a private screening of 777 Charlie at PVR Orion Mall for 50 members of the LGBTQ+ community including trans-persons who have previously never been able to visit malls and watch movies in multiplexes.

Trans-women with Reach Lives at PVR Orion Mall

Although trans-gender individuals have been part of Indian society for centuries, they are still routinely discriminated everywhere.

We want to thank Ms. Nakshatra, award winning, trans-woman and activist who helped us organize this event. We are excited to announce that Reach Lives will be adopting the health and nutrition needs of India's first trans-run orphanage, Nammane Summane (founded by Ms. Nakshatra). We also want to thank PVR and Book My Show (Book a smile initiative) for their support.

The Reach Lives team has launched a website, www.reachlives.com/lgbtqube, where people can learn more about the project, contribute funds to cover healthcare costs of trans-persons and share messages of support, hope and love with the LGBTQ+ community.

COVID-19 Outreach: A Lifeline During Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic swept through the world, leaving countless individuals struggling for survival. In India, the nationwide lockdowns brought life to a standstill, especially for the most vulnerable communities. Migrant workers, daily wage laborers, trans persons, orphaned children, and the elderly were left without resources or support. Recognizing this urgent need, Reach Lives launched one of its largest and most impactful initiatives to date, focusing on nutrition, protection, and dignity for those who needed it the most.

Reaching the Most Vulnerable

During the pandemic, we dedicated our resources to identifying and supporting communities disproportionately affected by the crisis, including:

• Migrant Workers and Daily Wage Earners: Families who lost their income overnight and were left without access to even basic necessities.

• Trans Persons and LGBTQ+ Communities: Marginalized groups often excluded from traditional aid systems.

• Children and Elderly in Care Homes: Populations at high risk of malnutrition and neglect during the pandemic.

Reach Lives COVID outreach event

Key Interventions

1. Nutrition Outreach

The pandemic rendered even basic food items an unattainable luxury for millions of families. Reach Lives implemented a monthly grocery distribution program, providing essential items such as: Cooking Oil, Rice, Flour, Dal, Sugar, Salt, and Spices.

This initiative supported thousands of families, particularly those in migrant settlement colonies, ensuring they had access to staple foods to sustain them through the crisis.

Nutrition supplementation program

2. Supplementary Nutrition Program

Malnutrition became a critical issue during the pandemic, especially among at-risk populations such as children and the elderly. In collaboration with Ricco Delizio Pvt. Ltd., we distributed flavored, enriched milk to beneficiaries in orphanages, old-age homes, and shelters. This program helped meet caloric and protein needs at a time when regular food supplies were severely disrupted.

3. Face Mask Distribution

Masks were one of the simplest yet most effective tools in combating the spread of COVID-19. However, for many underprivileged individuals, even this basic necessity was out of reach. Reach Lives distributed locally produced, reusable face masks and conducted awareness sessions on their proper usage, ensuring both protection and education for vulnerable communities.

4. Clothing and Blankets Distribution

The harsh Bangalore winters exacerbated the difficulties faced by underprivileged families during the pandemic. Reach Lives distributed new and used clothing, along with blankets and linens, to children in orphanages, elderly in old-age homes, and families living in extreme poverty.

Reach Lives volunteers distribute new clothes to children during COVID

5. Volunteer Contributions

The success of our COVID-19 outreach programs would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers. One of the most inspiring contributions came from students at Stonehill International School, Bengaluru, who not only fundraised for the project but also crafted furniture for foster homes established during the pandemic.

A Legacy of Hope

By the end of 2022, Reach Lives had:

• Distributed nutritious groceries and supplementary drinks to thousands of families.

• Provided face masks and clothing to those in need.

• Worked tirelessly to support communities often forgotten during the pandemic, ensuring no one was left behind.

  
  

While the pandemic's immediate effects have subsided, the impact of our COVID-19 outreach remains a testament to what compassion, determination, and collective action can achieve.