What is Mist?
Mist LGBTQ Foundation envisions a world in which every LGBTQ+ person gets access to safe, accessible, and quality HIV healthcare and a safe space to find their self-expression.
For this, we work on empowering members from the LGBTQ+ community in India with awareness about HIV, affordable prevention and curative healthcare, and community-led safe spaces for finding peer support.
Mist LGBTQ Foundation (henceforth referred to as Mist) has been working since 2009 towards empowering the LGBTQ+ community by creating a safe space and promoting LGBTQ+ awareness and HIV prevention and postvention (post exposure prophylaxis -PEP) in Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and beyond. Formed in 2009 as a collective of young LGBTQ+ members and registered as a section 8 (non-profit) company in 2021, the organization has been empowering LGBTQ+ people and people living with and at risk of HIV through multiple interventions. We are a young LGBTQ+-led organization, with currently over 5,000 registered members across India, majority of who are self-identified gay men, in the age group of 24-30 years, and working professionals including lawyers, activists, doctors, corporate professionals and others.
Our major HIV initiatives are supported through the USAID funded John Hopkins University / YRG Care supported Accelerate project and includes: HIV awareness raising and prevention among young and at-risk LGBTQ+ community, post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and sale and free distribution for those who can’t afford to pay, PEP, facilitation of HIV self-testing, and ART support for PLHIV through online and offline approaches. PreP and HIV self-testing services are currently not part of the national HIV/AIDS response in India, and this pilot is demonstrating approaches that can be taken to scale.
Additionally, Mist has gained recognition among the LGBTQ+ community in India for creating safe spaces. Mist does this by organizing public events where LGBTQ+ individuals from all strata and walks of life, can connect with each other. These events include Queer Talks & Meetings Support Group, Queer and Allies Art Fest, and Out & Loud – Pune International Queer Film Festival. Mist has organized several awareness events since 2009 including 88 support group meetings, 20 queer art festivals, 7 international queer film festivals, 140 corporate events, 3 queer flea markets, and 42 community gatherings for celebrations and protests. On an average every event organized by Mist witnesses 150+ audiences from the community and allies.
Further, Mist has been supporting LGBTQ+ individuals with crisis support and equal employment opportunities through partnerships with corporates, and with support from USAID under the EpiC project for two social enterprise: QueerBazaar - a queer merchandise shop located in Pune having online presence at https://lgbtq.co.in); and Stories Cafe - Pune city’s first and only queer café with a vision to create a safe space and provide employment for members from the LGBTQ+ community.
Recently, Mist has been granted a small grant by UNDP under the SCALE initiative to implement a project in India to organize four regional conclaves involving diverse stakeholders leading to collectivized dialogue on policy and legal reforms for protection of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
Meet the Team
Shyam (Samuel) Konnur
Founder & CEO (he/him)
Shyam describes himself as an activist because he is always willing to "fight for the community." He is a social entrepreneur who has made it his life's work to support the LGBT community. Shyam has now represented MIST since the beginning. In addition, he became the founder of QAAF & ICO Day, a TEDx speaker, and Mr Gay India 2020.
Suraj Raut
Manager - HR & Finance (he/him)
Suraj joined Mist in 2017 and went from being a volunteer to the HR & Finance Manager position. He provides knowledge and commitment to his position from his experience in banking and financial insurance. Suraj, who has rural roots, is devoted to LGBTQ+ advocacy and inclusiveness.
Anil Malla
Sr. Associate - Web Sales (he/him)
Anil, a youthful journalist and content developer with background in both print and online media, is applying his media expertise to QueerBazaar by Mist. He worked with the group before joining us, doing video reports and covering events. He now leads QueerBazaar's social media and digital sales efforts as a Sr Associate. His love of LGBTQ+ advocacy and storytelling is a wonderful fit with Mist's goal.
Susmit Bansode
Advocacy Coordinator (he/they)
Susmit is a nonbinary queer who works as an advocacy consultant at Mist. Having experience with wildlife conservation and animal behavior, they believe that human behavior is not all that different from that of animals and that protecting the rights of the LGBTQAI+ community is just as vital. Susmit is a freelance nude painting muse who is equally passionate about art in addition to her love of wildlife. Under SAATHII, Susmit is presently engaged in a project aimed at raising community awareness and promoting rights. Additionally, they are working in the health sector to increase the marginalized community's access to healthcare.
Sriram Sridhar
Executive Director (he/him)
Known affectionately as just Ram, the Executive Director of Mist has been collaborating with Shyam since 2016 to build Mist into what it is today. Ram is an outspoken and ardent professional who, by setting a great example, lends the charity a great deal of credibility. Mist benefits professionally from his direction and counsel over the activities.
Joseph Monis
Advisory Member (he/him)
Joseph has been actively involved in advising and assisting us in making decisions thanks to his vivid understanding of managing CSR operations in a top international corporation. In addition to actively promoting the Mist, he is a photographer and film editor who has documented numerous of our events.
Tejas Kshatriya
Health Coordinator (he/she/they)
Tejas is a non-binary advocate with a diverse background that includes roles as a delivery partner, bakery manager, and philatelist. Tejas combines their artistic energy with a dedication to LGBTQIA+ rights, as they are passionate about promoting community and inclusivity. As our health coordinator at the moment, they work to make healthcare more accessible and provide assistance to underserved populations.
Our Clients & Supporters
