About US

Magizhvan Foundation is a non-profit community welfare organization, founded by, Mr. L. Yesu Raja, a Chennai-based LGBTQ activist. Being a queer person himself, Yesu Raja discussed with his friends from the community about the requirements of the community to lead a dignified life. He then identified the problems faced by the community due to lack of safe spaces to explore and express themselves. Lack of awareness in the society about the community and ostracization from family and friends are a few other problems faced by LGBTQ individuals. To solve all these Yesu founded Magizhvan Foundation with an apt slogan of “A place where you can be yourself” in 2019.

The word “Magizhvan” is a commonly used Tamil term to refer gay men. The word has its root in the Tamil word “Magizh (மகிழ்)” meaning happiness or joy. The term Magizhvan(மகிழ்வன்) refers to happy or joyful person and hence was chosen to refer gay men. It might be interesting to know that the word “magizh” can even refer to the tree known as “Magizham (மகிழம்)” which bears fragrant flowers called “Magizhampoo (மகிழம்பூ)” whose extracts are commonly used in making incense sticks. The tree itself is considered special and sacred (sthalavirutcham ஸ்தலவிருட்சம்) in ancient temples like Tiruvannamalai and Tiruvottriyur. And referring to this meaning of the word, adds more beauty to its reference to gayness.

The organization currently addresses the social, health and financial issues such as unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, psychological and financial issues that are faced by LGBTQ persons.

Vision 

To enhance the lives of LGBTQ individuals through a co-operative effort towards ensuring livelihood, healthcare access, equality and justice for every member of the community.

Mission

  • To provide expert psychological counselling for persons with mental health ailments
  • To provide assistance in job placements of the community
  • To counsel LGBTQ persons about career options and education
  • To support the community members with healthcare costs
  • To carry out LGBTQ rights advocacy and provide legal help against discrimination

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

YESU RAJA L

FOUNDER OF MAGIZHVAN

SOCIAL WORKER | LGBTQ ACTIVIST | MAKEUP ARTIST 

SMILEY THABU A

GENERAL SECRETARY

FOUNDER OF SIRAGUGAL THARUGIROM PARANTHU SELLUNGAL | SOCIAL ACTIVIST 

MEET OUR TEAM

KUMAR – HEAD, TREASURER

MAYA S VENUGOPAL – HEAD, PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING

ROMIL – ASSITANT COUNSELLOR 

VYSHNAVI – ASSITANT COUNSELLOR

SRIGANESH – CONTENT EDITOR

VIKRAM – CONTENT EDITOR

AJITHA – CONTENT EDITOR

SHARMILA – PROGRAM COORDINATOR

MANTRALAYAN – PROGRAM COORDINATOR

JAYAHASSAN – DIGITAL CREATOR

VASU – DIGITAL CREATOR

MASHA – EVENT COORDINATOR

VARUN – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

ASHWINI – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

LEPAKSHI – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

JAGAN – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

JOHNSON – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

SEDHU – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

MERCY – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA

KEVIN – PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA