Creating a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community
Deepali Lakhanpal and Ayushi Verma, the co-founders of FirstContact, felt a strong need to establish a haven for queer individuals to meet and discuss various topics. Launched in early 2023, FirstContact stands out as India’s inaugural metaverse platform dedicated to facilitating safe connections among queer individuals, particularly in smaller cities where social isolation is prevalent. In an interview, Lakhanpal emphasized that FirstContact was designed to allow users to maintain their anonymity while engaging with others, whether they are openly queer or not.
A Unique Concept for Meaningful Connections
The vision shared by Lakhanpal and Verma, both hailing from Punjab, is to develop a metaverse that serves as a vibrant social hub for the LGBTQ+ community. Verma, who holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, reflected on her research into the Kinner community, which played a significant role in inspiring the creation of FirstContact. The platform’s name, FirstContact, underscores the idea that initial interactions within the community can significantly influence the life paths of queer individuals. Lakhanpal recounted her experiences meeting queer individuals in Ludhiana, many of whom felt compelled to conceal their identities and relocate to larger cities, highlighting the challenges queer individuals face in forming friendships.
Not a Dating Platform
Unlike conventional dating apps such as Tinder or Grindr, the founders clarify that FirstContact focuses on fostering meaningful relationships rather than romantic connections. Verma pointed out that while organizations like Humsafar Trust do commendable work for the LGBTQ+ community, their efforts are often limited to offline settings and specific regions. In contrast, FirstContact aims to create a more casual environment where users can engage in two-way interactions, making it easier to connect with others on a personal level.
A New Approach to Digital Interaction
The concept of an engaging digital space is not entirely novel; Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously sought to create an immersive digital universe. However, FirstContact stands apart by allowing users to connect without the need for virtual reality or augmented reality devices. The platform aims to address the LGBTQ+ community’s need for safe spaces and ease of finding like-minded individuals. Lakhanpal, who has a background in digital marketing, expressed that FirstContact seeks to merge the best aspects of both online and offline interactions, while Verma highlighted the platform’s organic conversational flow, in stark contrast to the more transactional nature of LinkedIn.
Prioritizing User Safety
Lakhanpal noted that despite the emergence of queer-friendly cafés in major Indian cities, many individuals still hesitate to openly identify as queer due to concerns about personal safety and family reputation. FirstContact offers a secure environment where users can remain anonymous. Verma elaborated on the platform’s strict safety protocols, including the use of safe words and a thorough verification process, to ensure a supportive atmosphere. They actively monitor user conduct to maintain a respectful community, stating that while initial infractions may warrant warnings, repeated offenses could lead to removal from the platform.
Fostering Community Through Digital Engagement
The founders of FirstContact aim to replicate the essence of real-world social interactions within a virtual framework. According to them, users can cultivate friendships similar to those formed at social gatherings, with familiar faces becoming integral to their experience on the platform. Currently, FirstContact boasts around 10,000 users, with 20 to 30 active users at any given time. The platform has facilitated over 3 million minutes of conversation and operates as a not-for-profit organization, offering free basic access while providing premium options through memberships or donations.
Challenging Societal Norms
Lakhanpal articulated FirstContact’s aspiration to normalize diverse identities and create an environment where users can freely express themselves. Ultimately, the founders aim to challenge the status quo where human rights are often dictated by identity. They envision collaborating with corporations on diversity and inclusion initiatives to further this mission. Verma emphasized the importance of not imposing assumptions on others’ identities, advocating for a collective effort to dismantle entrenched cis-heteronormative beliefs by fostering connections within the community.
