Itanagar: A new survey by the HimKai Research Initiative has documented recurring harassment, identity concealment, discrimination-related distress and low confidence in institutional protection among LGBTQIA+ respondents in Arunachal Pradesh.
The report says many participants reported difficulties at home, in their communities, in educational institutions and at work. It calls for sustained sensitisation, better reporting mechanisms and more inclusive public systems.
The report, LGBTQIA+ Lived Experience, Safety & Access in Arunachal Pradesh (2026), is based on an anonymous online survey conducted between June 2 and August 2. It received 62 submissions, of which 61 were included after geographic eligibility and data-quality screening.
One response was excluded because the participant’s self-reported home district could not be mapped to Arunachal Pradesh. The findings are based on valid responses for individual questions, so totals vary across indicators.
The HimKai Research Initiative, or HRI, is an independent, non-partisan research initiative based in Arunachal Pradesh.
It focuses on locally grounded research on society, governance, media, labour, environment, indigenous knowledge, education, gender and inclusion in Arunachal Pradesh and the wider Eastern Himalayan region.
HRI said the LGBTQIA+ survey is a baseline effort to develop evidence on experiences that are often discussed without adequate local data. It stressed that the voluntary, self-selected and non-random survey should not be treated as a statewide prevalence estimate.
Among the respondents, 49.2% said they hid their gender identity or sexual orientation most of the time or always due to fear of discrimination or violence. Half of the valid respondents said they rarely or never felt accepted within their families. Another 44.3% said they rarely or never felt safe in their local communities.
Harassment and discrimination were reported in several settings. Some 91.8% said they had experienced verbal harassment at least rarely, while 52.5% reported physical threats or violence at least rarely.
Among valid responses, 85% reported discrimination in school or college, and 63.2% said they faced workplace discrimination.
About 72.9% said they felt compelled to change their behaviour or appearance sometimes or more often to retain work or education. A further 57.9% said their identity had affected their access to employment or income opportunities at least rarely.
Mental wellbeing was another major concern. About 76.7% of valid respondents said they experienced stress, anxiety or emotional distress related to discrimination sometimes or more often.
This included 48.3% who said they experienced such distress most of the time or always. Access to mental-health or peer support was uneven: 41% said support was available most of the time or always, while 36.1% said it was available rarely or never.
Friends were the most commonly reported source of support, named by 37 respondents, followed by LGBTQIA+ networks, named by 12. Only six respondents named family as a source of support.
The study found that 60.7% were willing to participate in future anonymous research or consultations, while another 29.5% said they might participate.
The findings also point to a gap between awareness of rights and confidence in institutions. While 56.7% said they were aware of their legal rights, 63.3% disagreed that laws and policies adequately protect LGBTQIA+ persons. About 66.7% disagreed that police and authorities respond sensitively to LGBTQIA+ concerns.
Religion, culture and social belonging received cautious assessments. Some 72.1% disagreed that religion or faith practices are accepting of LGBTQIA+ persons.
More than half questioned whether their identity was compatible with their cultural or tribal background, or whether local traditions made space for diverse identities. About 51.7% said they did not feel a sense of belonging in society.
Healthcare emerged as a comparatively more positive area. Among valid responses, 56.7% said they felt comfortable accessing healthcare most of the time or always, while 75% said healthcare providers treated them with respect at that frequency.
HRI Director Ranju Dodum said LGBTQIA+ experiences in Arunachal Pradesh cannot simply be assumed from national conversations, as family, community, tribal identity, religion, education and employment shape local experiences of acceptance and safety.
The report recommends sensitisation programmes in schools, colleges, workplaces, healthcare institutions, police and public administration. It also seeks confidential mechanisms for reporting discrimination, stronger mental-health and peer-support systems, safe community spaces, and inclusive education and workplace practices.
Also Read: Stone pelting at Assam-Arunachal border; CMs appeal for peace