ITANAGAR, 12 Aug: A new survey by the HimKai Research Initiative (HRI) has documented recurring experiences of harassment, identity concealment, discrimination-related distress and low confidence in institutional protection among LGBTQIA+ respondents in Arunachal Pradesh.

The report, "LGBTQIA+ Lived Experience, Safety & Access in Arunachal Pradesh (2026)," is based on responses included in the final analysis. The anonymous online survey was conducted between 2 June and 2 August this year, the HRI said in a release.

A total of 62 submissions were received; one response was excluded during geographic eligibility and data-quality screening because the self-reported home district could not be mapped to Arunachal Pradesh, the release said.

"HRI has retained the raw submission for auditability but excluded it from all published statistics," it said.

Among the 61 respondents included in the analysis, 49.2% said they hid their gender identity or sexual orientation most of the time or always because of fear of discrimination or violence. Half of valid respondents said they felt accepted within their family rarely or never, while 44.3% said they felt safe in their local community rarely or never.

Experiences of harassment and discrimination were reported across several settings.

According to the survey, some 91.8% of respondents reported verbal harassment at least rarely, while 52.5% reported physical threats or violence at least rarely. Among valid responses, 85.0% reported discrimination in school or college at least rarely, and 63.2% reported workplace discrimination.

The survey also found that 72.9% of valid respondents felt compelled to change their behaviour or appearance sometimes or more often in order to retain work or education. A further 57.9% said their identity had affected access to employment or income opportunities at least rarely.

Mental wellbeing emerged as a significant concern, the survey revealed.

"Among valid responses, 76.7% reported experiencing stress, anxiety or emotional distress related to discrimination sometimes or more often, including 48.3% who experienced it most of the time or always."

"Access to mental-health or peer support was uneven: 41.0% said such support was available most of the time or always, while 36.1% said it was available rarely or never," the HRI stated.

The findings also point to a gap between awareness of rights and confidence in institutions.

"While 56.7% of valid respondents agreed that they were aware of their legal rights, 63.3% disagreed that laws and policies adequately protect LGBTQIA+ persons, and 66.7% disagreed that police and authorities respond sensitively to LGBTQIA+ issues," the HRI said.

It said religion, culture and social belonging received particularly cautious assessments.

Some 72.1% disagreed that religion or faith practices are accepting of LGBTQIA+ persons. More than half disagreed that their identity is compatible with their cultural or tribal background or that local traditions allow space for diverse identities, while 51.7% of valid respondents disagreed that they feel a sense of belonging in society.

Healthcare emerged as a comparatively more positive area. Among valid respondents, 56.7% said they felt comfortable accessing healthcare most of the time or always, and 75.0% said healthcare providers treated them with respect most of the time or always.

Friends were the most frequently reported source of support, mentioned by 37 respondents, followed by LGBTQIA+ networks, mentioned by 12. Family was mentioned by six respondents. Awareness and sensitisation was the most common single priority identified for improving LGBTQIA+ lives in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by legal protection.

HRI director Ranju Dodum said the study was intended to begin building locally grounded evidence on experiences that are often discussed without adequate data.

"LGBTQIA+ experiences in Arunachal Pradesh cannot simply be assumed from national conversations. Family, community, tribal identity, religion, education and employment all shape how people experience acceptance and safety here. This is a baseline study and its numbers must be read with methodological caution, but they point to questions that deserve deeper research and serious public discussion," Dodum said.

The report recommends sustained sensitisation programmes in schools, colleges, workplaces, healthcare institutions, police and public administration; confidential mechanisms for reporting discrimination; stronger mental-health and peer-support systems; safe community spaces; more inclusive education and workplace practices; and locally grounded engagement with families, community institutions and faith leaders.

HRI stressed that the survey is a voluntary, self-selected and non-random sample and should not be treated as a statewide prevalence estimate.

Of the 61 respondents included in the final analysis, 54 responses could be mapped to 17 Arunachal Pradesh districts. Papum Pare accounted for the largest single cluster with 16 responses. The sample was predominantly young, with 90.2% of respondents between 18 and 35 years.

The study also found willingness for continued consultation. 37 respondents (60.7%) said they would participate in future anonymous research or consultations, while another 18 (29.5%) said they might do so.