FirstContact: A Safe Haven for the Queer Community
For Deepali Lakhanpal and Ayushi Verma, the founders of FirstContact, establishing a secure environment for queer individuals to connect and engage in open dialogues was of paramount importance. Launched in early 2023, FirstContact stands as India’s first metaverse platform designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a safe space for interaction, especially in tier 2, 3, and 4 cities where social isolation is prevalent. In a conversation with indianexpress.com, Lakhanpal expressed that they envisioned FirstContact as a metaverse where individuals can maintain anonymity while having the freedom to converse with others, whether they choose to be out or remain anonymous.
Creating a Unique Virtual Space
Lakhanpal and Verma, hailing from Punjab, aspire to build a metaverse that serves as an immersive gathering place for LGBTQ+ individuals. This virtual environment aims to be a clean and welcoming space that offers something unique. Verma, who has a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, shared that her academic research on the Kinner community significantly inspired the inception of FirstContact. The name itself reflects the understanding that initial interactions within the community can greatly influence the life paths of queer people. Lakhanpal recounted her experiences meeting queer individuals in Ludhiana, many of whom felt compelled to migrate to larger cities due to the challenges of forming friendships in their hometowns.
More Than Just a Dating Platform
Unlike popular dating applications such as Tinder or Grindr, the founders emphasized that FirstContact prioritizes the establishment of meaningful connections rather than functioning as a dating service. Verma remarked that FirstContact addresses a gap not filled by existing platforms, which may offer support to the LGBTQ+ community but often do so in a limited, formal manner. She pointed out that while some organizations, like Humsafar Trust, have done commendable work, their outreach is mostly offline and restricted to specific regions. FirstContact, on the other hand, aims to foster casual interactions akin to hanging out with friends, providing a space for users to engage freely.
Fostering Organic Interactions
The concept of an immersive digital environment isn’t entirely new, as industry leaders like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg have also pursued similar visions. Zuckerberg’s metaverse is characterized by the use of virtual and augmented reality for various experiences, including gaming, shopping, and work meetings. FirstContact, however, enables users to engage anonymously while cultivating a sense of belonging, without the necessity for special hardware. This platform specifically addresses the LGBTQ+ community’s need for safe spaces and the challenge of connecting with like-minded individuals.
Ensuring User Safety
Lakhanpal noted that, while larger cities in India have begun to embrace queer-friendly venues, many individuals still hesitate to openly identify as queer due to concerns about personal safety and societal implications. FirstContact offers anonymity, allowing users to engage without fear. Verma elaborated on the platform’s stringent safety measures, including the implementation of safe words and a comprehensive verification process aimed at maintaining a respectful environment. The platform actively excludes users who perpetuate homophobic or transphobic behavior, ensuring that safety remains the top priority.
Building Community Through Digital Connections
With a focus on creating a real-world social experience in a digital setting, FirstContact allows users to interact similarly to how they would in person. Lakhanpal explained that the platform mimics social gatherings where people meet, converse, and form friendships over time. Verma highlighted that the dynamics of co-working within FirstContact differentiate it from traditional professional platforms, fostering organic discussions that can lead to meaningful connections.
Normalization of Diverse Identities
FirstContact allows users to engage for extended periods, akin to experiences in popular games like Fortnite, where players interact as avatars. While users can choose to appear as avatars, they also have the option to turn on their cameras if they feel comfortable. With a current user base of around 10,000, FirstContact has recorded over 3 million minutes of conversation, operating as a not-for-profit organization with a freemium model that provides basic access for free while offering premium features through memberships or donations.
Aiming for a New Societal Norm
Lakhanpal emphasized that FirstContact’s mission is to normalize diverse identities and create an environment where individuals can express themselves without fear. The broader goal is to shift societal norms to embrace diversity and reframe human rights in a manner not restricted by identity. To expand the platform’s reach, the founders plan to collaborate with corporations on diversity and inclusion initiatives, promoting the idea that understanding each other’s identities is essential for fostering acceptance. Verma concluded by stating that with enough connections made, the prevailing norms could be challenged and redefined, paving the way for a more inclusive society.
