Friday, June 20, 2025

Goodasyou Maintained Resource Links





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Monday, June 22, 2020

Mental Health Professionals that are LGBTQIA+ Friendly

  • Counselors available for FREE on a CALL:
    • Vinay Chandran - Certified Counselor (English/Hindi/Kannada/Tamil/Malayalam) 080_2223_0959 (Free for everyone), http://www.swabhava.org
    • Vasudhendra - Certified Counselor (English/Kannada/Telugu) - 98444_22782 BanneghattaRd (Free for LGBT community)
    • Umi Umesh - Counselor at Jeeva NGO (Kannada/Tamil) - 90083_76679
  • Mental health professionals (who closely work with community) available for reasonable charges on appointment:
    • Mahesh Natarajan - Queer Affirmative Certified Therapist(English/Tamil) - 96114_05684 http://www.innersight.in, CVRamanNagar 
    • Mohan Raj - Clinical Psychologist (English/Kannada/Hindi) - 96639_55839 New BEL Road. 
    • Rovan Varghese - Queer Affirmative Certified Therapist (English/Hindi/Malayalam) - 99452_33325 
    • Madhumita Venkataraman - Certified Counselor (English/Hindi/Tamil) -  97414_30229
    • Roy Sinai, Certified Counselor (English) - 8296128841 or roy(dot)sinai(at)gmail(dot)com
    • Ajanta De Certified Counselor 99807_81314 CVRamanNagar Innersight (English/Hindi/Bengali) 
    • Saurabh Banerjee - Certified Counselor (English/Hindi/Bengali) - Indiranagar/Kalyannagar - 95357_44744
    • J.Sanjay Kumar, PG Diploma, Psychotherapist & Group sessions facilitator (English)  - 77608_78669
  • Other Certified Queer Affirmative Counselors Online/Offline:
    • Garima Narwani. 99869_32427, Marathahalli (English/Hindi) 
    • Chaitali Sinha 91675_37824 Indiranagar (English/Hindi) 
    • Deepak 99720_97848. JP nagar. (English/Kannada) 
    • Itisha Peerbhoy 98451_29046 Richards town and Ulsoor (English/Hindi) 
    • Kaushiki 94827_39660 Jaya nagar. (English/Kannada) 
    • Maya Jayapal 98457_34952 Richmond Town and Langford Town (English/Hindi) 
    • Neha 96863_50529 Malleshwaram (English/Telugu/Kannada) 
    • Pallavi 96865_13242 Jayanagar and bellandur (English/Hindi/Kannada) 
    • Rakesh Meha 72599_23256 JP Nagar and Indiranagar (English/Hindi/Kannada) 
    • Shama Shah 97149_61449 Bellandur (English/Hindi) 
    • Sunitha 97313_08161 (Online and on phone) (English/Hindi/Kannada) 
    • Sushmita Gowri Hypnotherapy 97407_55212, Indiranagar (English/Hindi) 
    • Tamanna Jaisinghani 99205_65052 (online anywhere) (English/Hindi)
    • Bhavishya Kalyanpur  Queer affirmative clinical psychologist based in chennai bhavishyakalyanpur@gmail.com (English/Hindi/Tamil)
    • http://www.parivarthan.org/
     
  • Psychologists/Psychiatrists in the city, visited by members of this group, with positive feedback.
    • Ms Michelle Manasseh - Therapist (English), HSR Layout, 99165_76942
    • Dr. Khushboo Dewani  (English/Hindi) - Carna Health Centre, Nagharbhavi or Spandana Nursing Home/Psychiatrist Hospital,  Rajajinagar
    • Dr Snigdha Nautiyal- Clinical Psychologist (English/Hindi) Shanthi Polyclinic, Jayanagar 080-26341314/26346262 
    • Dr. Poornima Bhola, Clinical Psychologist (English/Hindi), Thursday OPD, NIMHANS, Hosur Road 
    • Dr. Veena Satyanarayan, Clinical Psychologist (Kannada/English), Dept. of Psychiatry, St. John’s Hospital, Sarjapur Road 
    • Dr. Ratna Isaac, Clinical Psychologist (Kannada/English), Richmond Poly Clinic, Richmond Circle (9845197093) 
    • Dr Galgali Ravindra Babu Rao, Psychiatrist (English/Kannada/Telugu) - St.Johns Hosptial, Koramanagala 
    • Dr Vijayanthi Bonanthaya, Psychiatrist (English/Kannada), Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road 
    • Dr Dharmendra, Psychiatrist, Manasa Neuro Psychiatric Center, Near Ashoka Pillar, Jaynagar 
    • Dr. Shankar, Psychiatrist (Kannada/English), Basaveshwaranagar Poly Clinic, Basaveshwara Nagar (9740091530) 
  • In Hyderabad, '
    • Queer Affirmative Therapists: http://hyderabadpsychologist.com/
    • Roshini Counselling Center: 040-33081830
  • For other cities, info is available in these links:
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Sunday, June 21, 2020

Resources for Parents, Relatives, Allies of LGBTQIA+

  • I have recently discovered that my spouse has been watching same-sex porn/ meeting people of their own gender, and maybe queer. How can I get support ?
  • This group as a support space is inclusive of spouses of anybody who may be queer. Please reach out to us. Discovering your spouse may be queer can be quite distressing. We can help you meet a counsellor, for yourself and as a couple. We keep an open-minded space and will help you figure out how you wish to act on this
    In-person counselling and support groups can also be made available. Wirte to goodasublr@gmail.com
  • Do you have any meetings where I can meet families of other LGBTQIA+ members?Goodasyou conducts meetings typically every November (before Pride March) for parents and families of LGBTIA members and sometimes at other times of the year too. Look for the announcements from goodasyou FB or INSTA pages for the next meeting time and venue.
  • I am a parent of an LGBTQIA+ child. I want to talk one-on-one with another parent who is experienced in handling these issues?
  • Write to us an email goodasublr@gmail.com. We will try to connecting to other parents of your comfortable language. 

  • Is there any international support group/organization for Parents/Families of LGBTQIA+? 
  • Yes, www.pflag.org has many chapters across USA and the following link has resourses for other countries: http://community.pflag.org/intlfamilygroups
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Socialization avenues for LGBTQIA+

Physical Avenues for Socialization
  • GRAB (Gay Runners & Brunch): Happens every Sunday in Bengaluru. Although meant for morning Queer runners at Cubbon parks to get together for a breakfast at airlines hotel, typically more people join only for brunch around 11AM sunday.
    Contact: Through Reference Only.
  • ASQ (All Sorts of Queer) Support group: An online and offline support group, specially meant for Queer persons of any gender or sexuality except cis-men. Contact: ASq.blore@gmail.com
    All Sorts of Queer (asqbangalore.com)

  • Online Avenues for Socialization
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Goodasyou FAQ

  • What is GoodAsYou ?
    • GoodAsYou, started in 1994, is one of the oldest surviving support groups for LGBTIQA/Queer community in Bengaluru/Bangalore. 
    • AGENDA: Open for any LGBTIQA related discussion, personal or public. This is a self-moderating group. FUNDING: This is a self-funded group that runs on voluntary donations collected on the spot. 
    • This is an open space and looks forward to participants creating more avenues for queer people to socialize and build a sense of community. Open ideas that seek volunteer coordinators include groups for sports/games/trekking/travel/cooking/art etc. 
    • For more info, visit: https://www.facebook.com/goodasyoublr or https://www.instagram.com/goodasyou.blr/
  • Q. Where is GoodAsYou?
    • Since GoodAsYou is just a support group, it doesn't have its own office, but our Thursday meetings and most of other activities happen at the NGO Swabhava's office at the following address.
    • Swabhava Trust, Sampengiramnagar, Bangalore, 080-22230959
  • Q. How does one join this group? 
    • Please call up the above number to know the timings of the meetings and walk-in there.
    • For yahoo group, please invite yourself from the yahoo group or mail to goodasyoublr@googlemail.com
    • For facebook group, an existing member can add you or email to goodasublr@gmail.com or message to this facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/goodasyoublr
  • Q. Is there a group for Parents, Families, Friends & Allies?
    • Yes! We have a FaceBook group to encourage a more open discussion between queer people, their families, friends & allies. If you are out to friends/ family and want to help them learn more and discuss things with similar people, please add them to the group
    • The group is at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodasupflag/
    • We also organize periodic group meets and will post details as and when such events are planned
  • Q. Is there a similar group for lesbians and bi-sexual women?
    • Although Goodasyou welcomes all the LGBT members here, ASQ Support group is available for all non-cis male queer persons (ASq.blore@gmail.com).
  • Q. Any other similar groups or NGOs in other cities of India?
    • Refer to http://www.trikone.org/index.php/resources/resources#india
  • Q. Are there any Queer/Gay Friendly counselors at GoodAsYou?
    • Counselling support for queer people and their families are available at multiple centres
    • Vinay through 'Swabhava' provides Free counselling: 080 2223 0959.
    • Free E-mail counselling at: sahayabangalore@hotmail.com or goodasyoublr@googlemail.com
    • For Queer friendly Mental health professionals in the city, visit this page: https://goodasyoublr.blogspot.com/2019/06/lgbtq-friendly-mental-health.html
  • Q. Is it safe to meet new people though this group or other online resources?
    • If any profile sends you a private message or request, or a member approaches you in any of the community event such as Thursday meeting or Sunday GRAB, please use your own discretion on engaging/ befriending, Do not assume everyone is good.
    • Also following these guidelines when meeting strangers: http://goodasyoublr.blogspot.com/2015/09/dos-donts-of-instant-dating.html
  • Q. Do you have any information about Safe sex, HIV etc.?
    • Women can refer to this document: http://www.facebook.com/groups/GoodAsYouBlr/511579532238663/
    • Men can can refer to this document: http://www.facebook.com/groups/GoodAsYouBlr/492506824145934/
    • This video gives graphical info about STDs: http://youtu.be/KB2qWT9Jzm0 

  • Q. Is there support available for emergency situations like police caught me or family threw me out of house etc.? 
    • If you are ever in trouble(homophobic abuse, problem at home, police issue or any other issue), call them. They will help you ASAP SANGAMA runs 24/7 crisis hotlines: +91 994 560 1651 to 1654;+91 994 523 1493 
  • Q. Is there legal support available from any lawyers if needed ?
    • Call to one of the following numbers (regular office hours only)ALTERNATIVE LAW FORUM : +91 80 2286 5757 / +91 80 2286 8757 LAWYERS COLLECTIVE BANGALORE +91 80 4123 9130 / +91 80 4123 9131 
  • Q. Do you have any support group for MARRIED GAY/BI people? 
    • Not active anymore. But you are welcome to Goodasyou thursday meetings. 
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Friday, June 19, 2020

Resources for HIV, STI Testing & Treatment

  • Queer Friendly Clinics offering HIV, STI Testing & Treatement 
    • YRG CARE MSM Centre at Victoria Hospital, near KRMarket, Ms.Nayeema(9632573643)
    • Family Planning Association, City Corp Maternity Home Cmplx, 1st Flr, Place Guttahalli, Blr-3, 080-23360205 For other city addresses, check http://www.fpaindia.org/ 
    • For affordable and LGBTQ friendly HIV, STI testing and treatment, PrEP & PEP: Dr.Ramakrishna/Dr. Sai Praneeth, Restore Health Clinic, Malleshwaram. appointments: 8971544066
    • Also, Queer owned Private clinic for any STD issues: Dr. Sanjay Sharma - colorectal / podiatric surgeon; practicing at APTA Healthpod ( www.aptahealth.in), 763, 19th Cross, 15th Main, Sahakarnagar, Bangalore - 92, Ph - 08041214111; at RxDx, Graphite India Road, Whitefield, Bangalore and PulseHealth, 575, 80ft Road, Kormanagala Ph - 41103841 
    • Samarth Community clinic in Hebbal from Sangama: https://www.facebook.com/samarthBlore/
      Ph:7259288046
    • List of doctors, prepared by Transmen Collective: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1un1fs6omEU5LOf2uF0gI9w7ck2zXeqnz_mV4R0_xVNA/edit#gid=829307773
  • Govt & Pvt Hospitals offering HIV, STI Testing
  • Emotional/Counseling support HIV Positive persons.
  • Govt & Pvt Hospitals, Clinics offering HIV/ART Treatment
    • Govt.Free ART (Anti Retroviral Therapy) centres are at the following hospitals in Bangalore.
      1. Govt. KIMS, K.R Road, V.V Puram
      2. Govt. Victoria Hospital, City Market,
      3. Govt. Bowring Hospital, Shivajinagar
      4. Govt CVRaman Hospital, Indiranagar 80ft road
      5. St John’s Hospital, Koramanhala (Private Hospital but ART is free) 
      6. For other places, refer to http://www.nacoonline.org/upload/Directory%20of%20Service%20Facilities/List%20of%20functional%20355%20ART%20Centres%20as%20on%20March-2012.pdf
    • Private Clinics/Doctors giving HIV medicine.
      1. Restore Health Clinic, Above New Medd Diagnostics, Double Road: 8971544066 (Known to be LGBT Friendly)
      2. Dr.B.Satish, Seva Clinic, Ramachandrapuram, Jalahalli, Blr-13, Ph: 9342956561/9448409047 (Known to be LGBT Friendly)
      3. Dr.KS.Satish, Fortis Hosp/Vikram Hosp/ChestnMaternity Hosp, http://drkssatish.com/  
      4. Dr Ravindran, Fraser town: 080-25485230
      5. Dr. Nirmala, Indiranagar: 09740396709
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DOs & DON'Ts of instant dating

Many of the queer community members often meet unknown people for dates, chats and more. We have been increasingly hearing cases of extortion, blackmail, sedation, house confinement, rape, and robbery, especially post SC judgement of upholding 377 in Dec 2013 (Even though this judgement is reversed in September 2018 by SC, the harassment culture continues to some extent). So here are some Dos and Donts to follow when you meet strangers.



 DOs

  1. Always meet strangers in public places first such as a coffee shop, a restaurant, a mall or a crowded park. Proceed to their or your place, only if you have had a conversation with them and get some level of confidence.
  2. If you know the number of the person you are meeting, you can choose to search for that number in True Caller (for spam history), Facebook and google to make sure you are not walking into an extortion racket.
  3. Inform a close friend (who knows you are queer) about the details of the person you are meeting such as their PR-ID/number, the location of their place etc. 
  4. If you are taking the person to your place, make sure to lock your door from inside (if there is a provision) and hide the keys so that they do not run away with valuables.
  5. If you plan to have intercourse, make sure to carry condoms and lubricants yourself instead of discovering the lack of them later and going unprotected.
  6. When you visit someone's place in the city or at a far off place, make sure you will have some transport back home any time so that you can leave the place if you sense something wrong.
  7. Be confident or at least act confident in  the times of crisis, so that culprits do not make use of your fear (Remember it's not illegal to be gay or queer in India).
  8. Call up the nearest queer helpline numbers (Visit other posts of this blog for Bangalore numbers), if you end up in a unwanted situation.

 DONTs

  1. Do NOT carry excess cash, credit/debit cards or valuable items when you visit a stranger's place
  2. Do NOT expose strangers to your vulnerable personal stories, such as lack of acceptance at home/workplace or marital status etc (They may use it to blackmail you).
  3. Do NOT leave your wallet, mobile or other valuables unattended at your or their place during your meeting with strangers.
  4. Do NOT consume drinks or eatables offered by them (which might be sedated) at their place.
  5. Do NOT do drugs or alcohol with strangers. Anything that can take away your consciousness is a strict NO.
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