Sun Mar 30 17:08:42 UTC 2025: ## Chennai NGO Leader Dedicated to LGBTQIA+ Upliftment
**CHENNAI, March 30, 2025** – Jaya, general manager of Sahodaran, a Chennai-based NGO supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, has dedicated 27 years to the organization without taking a single sick or personal day. Since its founding in 1996, Sahodaran, initially focused on aiding men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV/AIDS, has expanded its services to encompass a broader range of issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jaya, a transwoman, joined Sahodaran as a volunteer while pursuing her B.Com degree. She rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in the organization’s growth and evolution. Sahodaran, a community-based organization staffed primarily by LGBTQIA+ individuals, provides services including assistance with obtaining identification documents, securing housing, creating employment opportunities, and offering support to those facing discrimination.
The NGO has achieved significant recognition, including receiving the UNAIDS Award in 2006 and an invitation to the White House in 2016. Jaya emphasizes the importance of on-the-ground work, prioritizing direct community engagement over social media presence. Her current goal is to cultivate future leaders within the community to ensure Sahodaran’s continued success, with the dream of establishing a dedicated building and training center. The organization currently employs 19 permanent and over 50 part-time staff members.
First Piper 