'The Bangalore Pledge Project for Trans Siblings': Supporting trans community, one pledge at a time

Some members of the queer community are connecting trans individuals in need of financial support for groceries, healthcare, transport and other everyday essentials directly with supporters.

The initiative is called The Bangalore Pledge Project for Trans Siblings. It is named after the model it operates on. A supporter pledges Rs 1,000, and the team matches the amount to support a trans person in need, with the money going towards essential services or goods. Supporters directly pay the service provider or shop used by the beneficiary.

Originally founded during the pandemic by writer Rheea Mukherjee and theatre practitioner Nisha Abdulla, the project was recently revived in response to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed in March. The Bill has been widely criticised for going against the interests of the trans community. Rheea has now brought in Debbie Das, owner of a graphic design business, and Anushree B, garden architect, to help helm the second run.

The project draws inspiration from ration kit drives that supported some of Bengaluru’s most vulnerable residents during the Covid-19 crisis. This time, however, the focus is specifically on trans people in the city and their everyday needs. The team believes dignity lies in everyday support, not just moments of crisis. 

Every rupee spent through the project is tracked and accounted for. Every contribution is also compensated. For instance, when Christy Raj, a trans man and activist, handled ration distribution for the team, he was paid for his work.

Since its revival, the project has supported 28 trans persons in Bengaluru, mainly by funding groceries and therapy sessions.

“We are running into problems, but we are figuring out solutions. It’s been fun, but it’s also been challenging,” says Debbie. The team identifies beneficiaries through follower networks and by verifying the profiles of those who reach out directly.

To connect, write to @debbiedas.d, @chingaariya or @rheealization on Instagram.