About Us
Yutak LGBTQ Trust, a Community Based Organisation, is a registered organisation under Bombay Public Trust Act (1950), in December 2022. Yutak is dedicated to promoting social justice, health equity, and human rights for marginalized communities. Through our diverse range of activities and programs, we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone can thrive.
Our Mission
- To empower Pune’s LGBTIQ community at the grass roots level.
- To help queer individuals in need, advocate for their rights, and facilitate health equity.
- To provide a safe space for the community to share their experiences, seek support, and access resources.
Our Initiatives
- QMeets – Monthly support group meetings to provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, seek support, and access resources.
- Annual Queer Film Festival to celebrate LGBTIQ culture.
- Official Pride Walk organiser for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad cities.
- Workshops on mental health awareness, and provide peer counselling.
- Awareness sessions on LGBTIQ rights and inclusion. Socio-legal support/guidance during crisis situations.
- Assistance to transgender individuals in accessing social entitlements such as TG cards and certificates issued by District Magistrate at Social Welfare and Justice Department of Pune.
- HIV testing camps, provide referral with government ICTC centres, provide assistance to access and adhere medication on HIV (Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART)).
- Capacity-building programs to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to help other queer individuals and advocate for their rights.
Our Team
Anil Ukarande
President (he/him)
Anil Ukarande is a proud gay person, an award-winning LGBTIQ community leader, and President of YUTAK.
He completed his LLB and BA from Savitri Bai Phule Pune University. With a proven record in advocacy, community health management, and policy implementation, he has been recognized by the Maharashtra State Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, the Election Commission of Maharashtra, and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation for advancing the rights, health, and employment of the transgender community in Maharashtra.
Anil founded Yutak LGBTQ Trust and has facilitated employment for 35 transgender persons in municipal corporations, helped over 250+ transgender persons obtain government ID cards, and conducted 34+ workshops on sex, gender, and sexuality for corporates, colleges, and NGOs.
Zoya Shirole
Secretary (she/her)
Zoya Akshay Shirole is a Founder Trustee and Secretary of Yutak.
A Bachelor of Science graduate, she currently works with the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Since founding Yutak in 2018 and registering it as a public trust in 2022, Zoya has led initiatives in health, employment, legal support and skill building for the transgender community.
Zoya has been felicitated by the Election Commission of Maharashtra and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and many other prestigeous awards for her work with the transgender community.
Mayur Patare
Treasurer (he/him)
Mayur Patare is a Founder Trustee and Treasurer of Yutak.
He completed his Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism, Bachelor in Computer Science. A journalist with over two years of experience, Mayur brings a strong editorial and grassroots perspective to the Trust. He serves as editorial and technical assistant for various portals. Committed to amplifying marginalized voices, he documents the lived realities of working-class communities through his reporting.
At Yutak, he oversees financial stewardship and strengthens the trust’s advocacy through media and storytelling.
Contact Us
Address
1004, Office no. 09, 3rd floor,
Rameshwar Market building,
Nr. Vijay Maruti Chowk, Budhwar Peth,
Pune, Maharashtra 411005.