Neha Kirpal

India’s first homegrown LGBT community, support and networking app is here. Delta app aims at creating an inclusive environment that is a safe space, free from any form of discrimination on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, etc. The app aims at encouraging recruitment, retention and development of talented people from the LGBTQ communities and provides access to support if/when an adverse incident takes place.

Ishaan Sethi, co-founder and CEO of Delta, says, “India, as we know it, is on the brink of change. With an estimated population of about 80 million identifying as LGBTQ (including those in the closet), it is high time we celebrate diversity and empower this community. The aim of the app is to develop features that cater to the unique challenges faced by the community — whether it’s access to a safe and secure platform or helping sensitise businesses to create more inclusive work cultures or empower our LGBT allies with the right tools and information so they can better engage with the community.”

Concerns around safety and profile authenticity make meeting like-minded people from the LGBT community in India rather difficult. Delta’s verification engine checks the details entered for any inconsistencies or potential red flags. Once these checks are passed, users are approved into the community. Delta’s algorithms then leverage compatibility matching based on shared interests and deep learning to drive deeper engagements that go beyond superficial aspects such as location and looks.

A lack of safe spaces, both offline and online, have created fragmented and isolated LGBT communities, especially in non-metros. Specific features are aimed at creating safe environments for users to share content, discuss views, form interest groups and engage in discussions, forums and events. This will also power the Delta Network, a consortium of offline spaces, businesses, venues, restaurants and entities from various industries that are LGBT-friendly and inclusive.

With incredibly scarce support and resources available to the LGBT community in India, Delta aims at leveraging location-based data to build a network of professionals and help people find their closest LGBT-friendly therapists, legal aid, healthcare, etc. Additionally, this will also include features such as online support, counselling and therapy, etc.