Establishing a Safe Haven for the LGBTQ+ Community
For Deepali Lakhanpal and Ayushi Verma, the founders of FirstContact, the motivation to create a supportive environment for queer individuals stems from their own experiences. Launched in early 2023, FirstContact stands as India’s pioneering metaverse platform, designed specifically for queer individuals to connect safely, particularly in tier 2, 3, and 4 cities where social isolation is prevalent. In a discussion with indianexpress.com, Lakhanpal expressed that FirstContact allows individuals to maintain anonymity while engaging in conversations, whether they choose to be open about their identity or not.
A Unique Virtual Space for Connection
Originating from Punjab, Lakhanpal and Verma envision a metaverse that serves as an inclusive virtual gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community, characterized by a welcoming and illuminated environment. Verma, who has a Master’s in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, mentioned that her research on the Kinner community significantly influenced the development of FirstContact. The platform’s name signifies the importance of initial interactions within the queer community, which can greatly shape the lives of its members. Lakhanpal shared her personal journey of meeting other queer individuals who, like her, were hesitant to come out and often found themselves seeking acceptance in larger cities.
Fostering Meaningful Connections Beyond Dating
Unlike mainstream dating applications such as Tinder or Grindr, the founders emphasize that FirstContact is focused on creating genuine connections rather than being a dating service. Verma pointed out that FirstContact addresses a gap that other platforms overlook. While organizations like Humsafar Trust do commendable work for the LGBTQ+ community, their outreach is often limited and formal, lacking the casual, friendly interactions that FirstContact aims to provide. The founders see their platform as a space for relaxed conversations and interactions, encouraging users to engage without the pressure of a formal setting.
Integrating Work and Play
Verma describes FirstContact as a “plugin to your life,” allowing users to combine work and leisure seamlessly. Users can engage in work alongside others, taking breaks to socialize, play games, or simply chat—all within the same virtual environment. She clarified that the goal is not to replicate professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, but to foster casual, organic conversations that extend beyond work.
Addressing Safety in Virtual Spaces
While larger cities in India have seen the emergence of queer-friendly cafés and venues, many queer individuals still hesitate to openly express their identity due to societal pressures. FirstContact provides a secure platform where users can remain anonymous if they choose. Verma noted that the platform has established strict safety protocols, including the implementation of safe words to maintain boundaries. A rigorous verification process is in place to protect users from potential harm and to ensure a supportive community environment.
Monitoring User Behavior for a Secure Experience
In response to concerns regarding harassment and safety on virtual platforms, Lakhanpal and Verma stressed their commitment to closely monitoring user behavior. They employ a warning system for inappropriate conduct, with a zero-tolerance policy for repeated offenses. The founders draw parallels between interactions in their metaverse and real-life social gatherings, where users can form friendships and connections over time.
Exploring a Dynamic Digital Community
Users can immerse themselves in FirstContact for hours, much like in popular games where they create avatars and interact with others. The platform currently boasts around 10,000 users, with a steady flow of 20 to 30 active participants at any given time. Since its inception, FirstContact has facilitated over 3 million minutes of conversation. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, the platform offers basic access for free, with additional features available through membership or donations.
Advocating for Acceptance and Inclusion
Lakhanpal articulated that FirstContact aims to normalize diverse identities and create a welcoming space for self-expression without fear. Their broader ambition is to challenge societal norms and advocate for human rights that transcend identity. To expand their reach, the founders plan to collaborate with corporations on diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering an environment where assumptions about gender and sexuality are challenged. Verma emphasized that by connecting individuals, they can collectively shift the prevailing norms and create a more inclusive society.
