The Humsafar drop-in center that was inaugurated in November 1995 has a long history and has played host to several Mumbaikars from college students to Page Three socialites "coming out". To many it's a second home as it's a safe space where one can wear his sexuality on his sleeve and be himself and not being discriminated. The Drop in center is tastefully decorated, with beautiful posters of safer sex messages, television, music system, home theatre system and workshops conducted every week for the community.

In the initial years, the Drop-in Center was open only on Fridays for visitors, but as the number of people attending Friday workshops increased gradually; the Drop-in Center was thrown open on all days except Sunday. The drop in center also has a library of over 1,500 books on issues of sexuality, HIV and AIDS


Community Events

Friday Workshop was a pioneering effort in Community Mobilization as it was the first time in India where gay men met at a common safe space. They had a space where they could be themselves, meet up with other men who felt like them and discuss their issues. Although the Friday workshop attracted only about 10-12 people in the early days, the news of the existence of this event spread like wild fire and within weeks, nearly 100 men were in attendance. Friday workshops included discussions on issues like sexuality, coming out, dealing with family and friends, marriage, workplace problems for gay men, issues of health and human rights.

A Panel of twelve members that meet once in a week decides on the subject or program that needs to be undertaken for the Friday workshops. The Panel also discusses the logistics of holding workshops and staff members that will be responsible for maintaining discipline and basic code of conduct at each workshop.

The Friday workshop panel organizes different themes every week and make sure that every drop in becomes part of the workshop. The Friday Workshop has organized events and workshops on skills building, entertainment, legal talks, personality development, health issues and social issues concerning the MSM community.

The Drop In center has its own code of conduct that mentions the list of "Do's and Don't's" at the safe space. This code of conduct has been developed by the community and is regularly reviewed and revised by community members.