About Us
Who are We?
The Prismatic Foundation is a community-based organization in Varanasi, UP.
We are a group of young queer-trans* social workers who aim to contribute to improving the quality of life experienced by queer people in the region. Prismatic deeply believes in the importance of community care systems and the pivotal role that community plays in being a catalyst for internal and external change.
Prismatic aims to collaboratively co-create systems that serve the needs of the queer community in turn improving the quality of life experienced by each queer individual.
Mission
Prismatic Foundation is committed to empowering persons with diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, Gender Expressions and Sex Characteristics by advocating for our rights, dignity, and equality. Through improved access to education, healthcare services, legal support, and awareness initiatives, we aim to create safe spaces, foster inclusivity, and drive social change in Varanasi. Our mission is to ensure that individuals with diverse SOGIESC have access to equal opportunities, live free from discrimination, and thrive in a supportive, respectful environment.
Vision
Prismatic aims to provide a comprehensive support system for individuals living with diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), advocating for our rights, respect, and dignity. Using a community centered, and intersectional feminist lens to inform our work. Prismatic is dedicated to creating a safer, dignified and healthier environment for queer persons to thrive in.
Our Community
This is where the magic happens, where connections are forged, and where we celebrate the beautiful tapestry of queer identities. Whether you’re looking for support, a safe space to share your story, or simply a place to connect with others who understand, you’ve found your tribe. From lively events to quiet support groups, our community is built on love, acceptance, and the unwavering belief that we’re stronger together. Come on in, explore, and find your place in the Prismatic family!
This is the group that inspires all of our work. As a community based organizations, our direction is determined by the community we work for, and belong to.
Our Team
We’re a bunch of passionate folks – artists, dreamers, and doers – united by a shared belief in a brighter future for the queer community. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a community in itself, bound by shared experiences and a deep commitment to creating real change. Get to know the faces behind the programs, the voices on the helpline, and the hearts driving our mission. We’re excited to share our stories with you!
Anamika (She/They) Program Associate 2026
Anamika began their journey in the healthcare sector before completing the Equal 2.0 Fellowship with The YP Foundation. She joined Prismatic Foundation as a volunteer working to strengthen community-led initiatives with care and intention. Deeply committed to supporting her community, Anamika is curious, collaborative, and proudly bindass; always eager to learn and build meaningful connections.
Ruman (He/Him) Program Associate 2025 & 26
Ruman is working as a Program Associate with Prismatic Foundation, while also pursuing his graduation in Political Science. Driven by a strong commitment to social change, he actively works to challenge and transform social norms and misconceptions about the queer community. His goal is to foster greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.
Hetavi (She/Her) Intern 2026
Hetavi envisions an inclusive world free from gender norms, caste hierarchies, and all forms of social discrimination. She is a B.A. student at MGKVP and has been an active member of Banaras Queer Pride for the past two years. She has completed the Equal 2.0 Fellowship with The YP Foundation and has also volunteered with Prismatic Foundation for two years. At MGKVP, she co-founded Rang, a queer collective committed to building safer and more affirming campus spaces.
Aarya (They/Them) M&E Coordinator 2025
Aarya holds an undergraduate in Statistics from BHU. They are passionate about community welfare, sustainability, and inclusivity. They have actively contributed to Varanasi Queer Pride and Youth Ke Bol, anchored by The YP Foundation. They believe in a constructive approach towards social change.
Ananya (She/Her) Program Associate 2025
Ananya was a Student of Hindi Literature, she was a creative and socially conscious individual. With a passion for words, she enjoyed reading, writing, and reciting poetry and stories. Her artistic side extended to painting, acting, videography, and photography. Since 2019, Ananya had been actively involved in social work, driven by a desire to make a positive impact. Her diverse interests and talents made her a unique and valuable individual.
Meet The Board
Neeti (She/They) Executive Director | Program Manager
For the past 15 years, Neeti has worked tirelessly to champion the rights of those who live with various marginalization. For the last 3 years, they have been working towards building Prismatic Foundation to be a community-led organization dedicated to serving the needs of the banarasi queer community. A vetran of youth and feminist organizations like CREA, The YP Foundation, NAPAM and an active social worker in Varanasi, They lead the efforts at Prismatic Foundation.
Aarohi (She/Her) Trustee
A Banaras native and transgender woman connected to the Hijra community, she has spent the last four years working on HIV/AIDS awareness among transgender people, female sex workers, and other groups. She also advocates for rights-based issues like gender diversity, discrimination, and sexuality, partnering with organizations like The YP Foundation and Varanasi Queer Pride to improve the lives and rights of queer individuals in Banaras
Shanu (She/They) Secretary
Shanu, is an operations and logistics wizard, with over 7 years of experience in the travel industry. They are dedicated to creating equality for queer people, and access to social justice in a community that is often marred by society’s stigmas and norms. They have a history of volunteering with many local organizations to enable and support their community based events. Along with their partner, they run Banaras First Queer Friendly Cafe. They aspire to ignite an entrepreneurial fire within the community.
Kabir (He/Him) Advisory Director
Kabir Maan is a Delhi-based Dalit trans man and trained primary school teacher (SCERT, New Delhi). Despite facing discrimination due to his gender identity, which led to dropping out of Jamia Millia Islamia, Kabir’s adventurous spirit has propelled him to work as an Educational Facilitator, leading his “Aao Baat Karein” campaign, providing crucial education on sexual abuse, sex education, menstrual hygiene, and gender sensitization to over 15,000 children and 5,000+ teachers and parents across India. He was recognized as one of 75 inspiring Indians by Outlook Magazine in their 75 Years of Indian Independence issue (August 2022).
Tan (They/He) Advisory Director | M&E Manager
Tan is a queer-trans development professional with experience in gender justice and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, grounded in an intersectional feminist and restorative justice lens. A committed advocate for young people’s bodily autonomy, queer rights, disability justice, and gender equity, they have mentored grassroots organizations to strengthen their facilitation and peer education models, working toward more equitable access to SRHR information and services. They are deeply invested in advancing structural change through evidence-based policy advocacy.