Parivar Bay Area, the first South Asian transgender-led organization in the U.S., has opened its first community office and introduced a resolution declaring ‘Diwali Day’ in San Francisco.
Parivar Bay Area, the nation’s first South Asian transgender-led Hijrah and Kinnar centering organization, marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its inaugural community office and the celebration of Diwali Utsav 2025 at 837 Turk Street in San Francisco.
The event, hosted by Anjali Rimi, President of Parivar Bay Area, symbolized the triumph of light over darkness, emphasizing themes of belonging, resilience, and visibility for transgender, gender-diverse, and immigrant communities from the global south.
“From being homeless and stateless to creating this home of belonging, today is truly historic,” Rimi stated during the gathering. “Parivar Bay Area was born to ensure Hijrah and Kinnar lives are visible, valued, and celebrated. Our new space is a promise that every transgender immigrant and asylee continues to have a place to belong.”
The celebration featured a traditional Diwali Pooja and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, along with opening remarks from Rimi. The official ribbon-cutting marked the inauguration of Parivar Bay Area’s new community space, followed by a dinner, cultural performances, and continued festivities known as Diwali in the Castro.
In addition to the office opening, Parivar Bay Area introduced an official City of San Francisco Resolution recognizing “Diwali Day.” This recognition, presented through the Mayor’s Office and Board of Supervisors, acknowledges the contributions of the South Asian community to the city’s cultural landscape. The public comment regarding this resolution took place on October 21, 2025.
The newly established community office will serve as a statewide hub for various initiatives, including:
Legal Access & Relief Programs, such as TILARI and PLAP, which aim to provide essential legal support.
Leadership & Belonging Programs, including the Immigrant Emerging Leadership Program (IELP), designed to empower community members.
Cultural & Arts Engagements rooted in Indian Kinnar and Hijrah heritage, fostering cultural expression and awareness.
Community Advocacy through the California Coalition of Transgender Immigrants and the Transgender Immigrant Symposium, promoting rights and visibility for marginalized communities.
Through its three guiding pillars—Hijrah & Kinnar Led and Centered, Empowering Trans Immigrants & Asylees, and Rooted in Indian Heritage & Culture—Parivar Bay Area aims to illuminate pathways to belonging, safety, and leadership for its community members.
Source: Original article