Guwahati: An online survey in Arunachal Pradesh has found that many LGBTQIA+ people face harassment, hide their identities and have limited trust in institutions meant to protect them, The New Indian Express reported.
The study was carried out anonymously by the HimKai Research Initiative (HRI) from June 2 to August 2, 2026. Its report, titled “LGBTQIA+ Lived Experience, Safety & Access in Arunachal Pradesh (2026),” uses the responses that passed the final screening.
The survey received 62 submissions. One was removed after checks found that the respondent’s stated home district could not be linked to Arunachal Pradesh. HRI kept the original submission for audit purposes but did not include it in the published figures.
Of the 61 responses analysed, 49.2% said they frequently or consistently kept their gender identity or sexual orientation hidden because they feared discrimination or violence.
Family acceptance was also a concern, with 50% saying they rarely or never felt accepted at home. In their neighbourhoods or communities, 44.3% said they rarely or never felt safe.
Verbal harassment was reported by 91.8% of respondents at least occasionally, while 52.5% said they had faced physical threats or violence at least occasionally. Among valid responses, 85% reported discrimination in schools or colleges, while 63.2% experienced discrimination at their workplaces.
The survey found that 72.9% of valid respondents had sometimes or often felt the need to alter their behaviour or appearance to keep their jobs or continue their education. Another 57.9% said their identity had affected their chances of finding employment or earning opportunities at least occasionally.
Discrimination was also linked to mental wellbeing. Among valid responses, 76.7% said they sometimes or more frequently experienced stress, anxiety or emotional distress because of discrimination. For 48.3%, such experiences occurred most of the time or always.
Support for mental health and peer assistance was not consistently available. While 41% said they could access such support most of the time or always, 36.1% said it was rarely or never available.
The findings showed a difference between knowledge of legal rights and trust in institutions. While 56.7% of valid respondents said they knew their legal rights, 63.3% did not believe existing laws and policies provided adequate protection for LGBTQIA+ people.
Another 66.7% said police and other authorities did not respond sensitively to LGBTQIA+ concerns. Views on religion, culture and social acceptance were also largely negative. About 72.1% did not consider religious or faith practices accepting of LGBTQIA+ people.
More than half also disagreed that their identity could fit with their cultural or tribal background or that local traditions accommodated different identities. In addition, 51.7% said they did not feel a sense of belonging in society.
Healthcare received comparatively better responses. Among valid participants, 56.7% said they were comfortable seeking healthcare most of the time or always, while 75% said healthcare workers treated them respectfully most of the time or always.
Friends emerged as the most commonly cited source of support, followed by LGBTQIA+ networks.
HRI director Ranju Dodum said the study sought to establish locally based evidence about experiences that are often discussed without sufficient data.
“LGBTQIA+ experiences in Arunachal cannot simply be assumed from national conversations. Family, community, tribal identity, religion, education and employment shape how people experience acceptance and safety here,” Dodum said.
Dodum added that the study should be treated as a baseline rather than a definitive assessment. He said its findings, while requiring methodological caution, raise issues that need further research and wider public discussion.