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Parivar Bay Area, the nation’s first South Asian Transgender-led Hijrah and Kinnar centering organization, celebrated a historic milestone with the grand opening of its first community office and Diwali Utsav 2025 at 837 Turk Street, San Francisco.

Hosted by Anjali Rimi, President, the evening symbolized light over darkness,  celebrating belonging, resilience, and visibility for transgender, gender-diverse, and immigrant communities of the global south.

A woman speaks into a mike ata Diwali celebration
President of Parivar Bay Area, addressing the gathering at the opening of its community office (image credit: Sobhan Hassanvand for India Currents)

“From being homeless and stateless to creating this home of belonging, today is truly historic,” said Rimi. “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 asylees continue to have a place to belong.”

The celebration included a traditional Diwali Pooja and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, opening remarks by host Anjali Rimi, and the official ribbon cutting and inauguration of Parivar Bay Area’s new community space,  followed by dinner, cultural performances, and Diwali in the Castro for continued community festivities.

@india.currents

ParivarBayArea, the nation’s first South Asia Indian Kinnar and Hijrah centering and led Trans organization made history by opening its first dedicated office doors and becoming the first ever organization to do so in the USA.

♬ original sound – India Currents Magazine

Parivar Bay Area also introduced the official City of San Francisco Resolution recognizing “Diwali Day”, presented through the Mayor’s Office and Board of Supervisors, marking a historic recognition of South Asian community contributions to the city’s cultural fabric, celebrating Diwali in San Francisco. The public comment was on Oct 21st, 2025.

The new community office will serve as a statewide hub for:

  • Legal Access & Relief Programs (TILARI and PLAP)
  • Leadership & Belonging Programs (Immigrant Emerging Leadership Program – IELP)
  • Cultural & Arts Engagements rooted in Indian Kinnar and Hijrah heritage
  • Community Advocacy through the California Coalition of Transgender Immigrants, Transgender Immigrant Symposium.

Through its three pillars:  Hijrah & Kinnar Led and Centered, Empowering Trans Immigrants & Asylees, and Rooted in Indian Heritage & Culture, Parivar Bay Area will continue to illuminate pathways to belonging, safety, and leadership.