Celebrating 30 Years of Impact with Anjali Gopalan: Naz Foundation's Journey of Compassion and Change

Interviewed by Utkarsh Tripathi & Written by Syed Anas

As we celebrate the milestone 30th anniversary of the Naz Foundation, the journey of its founder, Anjali Gopalan , stands as a testament to unwavering dedication and impactful change. In a recent interview, Anjali shared the inspiration behind starting the foundation, pivotal moments that shaped its trajectory, and key advice for young activists pursuing social change.

The Birth of Naz Foundation

Anjali Gopalan's journey with HIV/AIDS work began long before she founded the Naz Foundation. After years of working in the United States, she returned to India in 1994 with a clear mission. "I've been working with HIV for many years in the US, particularly with the gay community, which was disproportionately impacted by the epidemic," Gopalan explains. Upon returning to India, she saw a critical need to continue this work. Encouraged by friends and driven by the urgent need for HIV prevention and care, she established the Naz Foundation.

Expanding Programs and Addressing Needs

The Naz Foundation's first program focused on men who have sex with men (MSM is what it was called then), a group highly vulnerable to HIV infection. However, it quickly became evident that the scope needed to broaden. "We realized a lot of the men who were having sex with men were married to women, and it struck me that we can't limit it to just MSM. We had to reach out to their female partners and children because that's how the infection would spread," says Anjali. This led to a more inclusive approach, addressing the sexual health of women and children and initiating peer education programs in schools and colleges.

Pivotal Moments and Impactful Initiatives

Throughout its three-decade journey, Naz Foundation has witnessed several pivotal moments that have shaped its trajectory. Anjali highlighted the 2009 judgment decriminalizing homosexuality as a significant milestone for the LGBTQ community and the foundation, because it led to a greater participation from younger queer people. "If that hadn't happened, I don't think people would have been able to come out and say YES WE EXIST, LISTEN TO US" says Anjali. Another critical moment was the establishment of the care home for children living with HIV, providing them with much-needed support and care.

Anjali also emphasized the importance of adapting to emerging needs, such as setting up the first HIV clinic in Delhi and later a couple of wards to address the lack of medication for those in need. The commitment to responding to community needs has been a cornerstone of Naz Foundation's work.

Overcoming Challenges

Navigating societal stigma and legal barriers has been a constant challenge. Anjali reflects, "Legal barriers are easier to navigate because there's a process you can follow. Societal barriers, on the other hand, are harder to negotiate."

Partnerships and Collaborations

Throughout its journey, Naz Foundation has relied on a network of partnerships and collaborations. "None of us can do this work alone," Anjali asserts. She highlights the importance of coalitions and support from like-minded individuals and organizations, which have been instrumental in sustaining Naz's initiatives.

Sustainability and Inclusivity

Sustainability in the traditional sense is a challenge for many NGOs, but Naz Foundation has found ways to endure. Owning their property, for instance, has provided a stable base for their operations. Anjali reflects, "We've survived for 30 years, and I am convinced we will continue to survive as long as there is a need for what we are doing."

Advice for Young Activists

When asked about advice for young activists and organizations working towards social change, Anjali shared a powerful message: "Don't let the big picture paralyze you." It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of social problems, but every action counts. Anjali recounted an instance when someone remarked about the millions of children needing help, questioning the impact of their efforts for just thirty children. She firmly responded, "Yes, it's not even a drop in the ocean, but for those thirty lives, it is a lifetime of love and care."

She stressed the value of making a difference, no matter how small it may seem. "Touching even one life is significant," she proclaimed, adding that the joy and fulfillment derived from helping others are immeasurable.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Compassion

As Naz Foundation looks to its future, Anjali envisions the next chapter led by the younger generation. She hopes to ensure that the foundation remains a "warm, loving, and giving space for anybody who needs that kind of care." This ethos, she believes, should be the enduring legacy of Naz Foundation.

As we celebrate three decades of Naz Foundation, let us also celebrate the spirit of compassion and determination embodied by Anjali Gopalan and her team. Here's to many more years of impactful social change and unwavering support for those who need it most.