Inclusive Disaster Preparedness for Transgender and LGBTQ+ Communities

Disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities, making inclusive preparedness and response mechanisms essential. The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) conducts year-round awareness and capacity-building programmes to ensure that no section of society is left behind during emergencies. As part of this commitment, the Authority has been actively engaging with the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities across the state.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, with the support of BSDMA, temporary shelter arrangements were provided for members of the transgender community at Gandhi High School, Khagaul, Patna, ensuring safety, dignity, and access to basic facilities during a period of heightened vulnerability.

Strengthening Community Participation and Dignity

In Patna, a dedicated residential and support facility for the transgender community—Garima Grih—is being run with the leadership of Ms. Reshma Prasad. BSDMA, in collaboration with the Development Management Institute, Patna, has organised disaster awareness activities and quizzes at Garima Grih to enhance risk awareness and preparedness among community members in an engaging and participatory manner.
Beyond awareness programmes, BSDMA actively promotes the social inclusion and visibility of the transgender community. Community members are regularly encouraged and supported to participate in major public events such as Bihar Diwas and the Sonepur Mela, where they showcase their talents and cultural expressions to a wider audience, reinforcing messages of inclusion, dignity, and equality.
A theatre group from the transgender community has also been consistently associated with BSDMA’s disaster awareness campaigns, using street plays and performances to communicate life-saving messages in an impactful and relatable way. Their participation has not only strengthened outreach efforts but has also helped break stereotypes while amplifying community voices.

Towards Inclusive and Resilient Communities

Through sustained engagement, awareness initiatives, and inclusive participation, BSDMA is working to ensure that disaster risk reduction efforts are equitable, inclusive, and respectful of diversity. By empowering transgender and LGBTQ+ communities as active partners in disaster preparedness, the Authority is reinforcing the principle that resilience can only be achieved when every community is informed, prepared, and valued.