Creating a Safe Haven for the Queer Community
Deepali Lakhanpal and Ayushi Verma, the innovative minds behind FirstContact, have established a much-needed sanctuary for the queer community, allowing individuals to connect and engage in candid discussions. Launched in early 2023, FirstContact is recognized as India’s inaugural metaverse platform aimed specifically at providing a safe environment for queer individuals, especially in tier 2, 3, and 4 cities that often experience social isolation. During a conversation with indianexpress.com, Lakhanpal explained that the platform allows users to remain anonymous while having the freedom to interact with others, whether they choose to reveal their identity or not.
Beyond Traditional Networking
Hailing from Punjab, Lakhanpal and Verma envision FirstContact as an immersive virtual space where LGBTQ+ individuals can gather and socialize in a welcoming environment. Verma, who holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, shared that her academic research on the Kinner community significantly influenced the platform’s development. The name “FirstContact” reflects the crucial impact of initial interactions on the lives of queer individuals. Lakhanpal, recalling her experiences in Ludhiana, noted that many queer individuals felt compelled to migrate to larger cities due to the lack of a supportive community.
Fostering Meaningful Interactions
Unlike existing dating applications such as Tinder or Grindr, the founders emphasize that FirstContact is not focused on romantic relationships but aims to cultivate genuine connections among its users. Verma highlighted that FirstContact addresses a gap not covered by other platforms, which primarily operate offline and have limited reach. She pointed out that while organizations like Humsafar Trust do commendable work for the LGBTQ+ community, their online interactions often lack the informal, organic engagement that FirstContact aims to provide, creating a more relaxed atmosphere for users.
An Interactive Experience
Verma described FirstContact as a “plugin to your life,” where users can enjoy a more engaging work experience by collaborating with others in the metaverse. The platform encourages a casual environment that allows for socializing during work hours without the formalities typically associated with professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
Safe Digital Spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community
The idea of an immersive digital world is gaining traction, as seen in Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s previous attempts to create a similar environment. However, FirstContact distinguishes itself by allowing users to engage without the need for complex virtual reality gear. Focusing on the LGBTQ+ community’s need for secure spaces, the platform aims to facilitate connections while addressing the challenges of finding like-minded individuals.
Ensuring User Safety
Lakhanpal noted that while major cities in India have developed queer-friendly venues, many individuals still hesitate to openly identify as queer due to societal pressures. FirstContact provides a safe environment where users can maintain anonymity. Verma emphasized that the platform enforces strict safety protocols, including behavioral monitoring and a verification process that allows users to remain anonymous while ensuring a safe community. Both founders stressed the importance of user safety, with measures in place to respond swiftly to any inappropriate behavior.
Building a Vibrant Community
The platform draws parallels to real-life social interactions, allowing users to form friendships and engage in straightforward conversations, similar to attending a social gathering. Verma explained that, as users become familiar with one another, they can build deeper relationships over time, fostering a thriving community atmosphere.
A New Era of Identity Acceptance
FirstContact enables users to immerse themselves in a vibrant digital community, reminiscent of gaming experiences like Fortnite, where individuals can create avatars and interact freely. With an active user base and millions of minutes of conversation logged, the platform operates as a Section 8 not-for-profit entity with a freemium model. Lakhanpal highlighted that a significant portion of users comes from metropolitan regions, while others hail from smaller towns.
Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
The founders aim to normalize diverse identities and create an environment where individuals can express themselves without fear of judgment. Their ultimate goal is to establish a new social norm that embraces diversity, advocating for human rights beyond the confines of identity. By collaborating with businesses on diversity initiatives, Lakhanpal and Verma hope to foster an understanding that transcends traditional gender and sexual norms, believing that collective efforts can challenge the status quo.
