Our Research
The Garv Project examines how Indian politicians communicate around LGBTQ+ rights—and what those signals reveal about political incentives, risk, and the potential for movement.
Our research draws on public statements, parliamentary interventions, constituency data, and conversations with advocates and practitioners.
Political Signaling Framework
Our analysis identifies six recurring forms of political positioning:
Core Supporters · Symbolic Supporters · Persuadable MPs · Deflectors · Silence / Non-Engagement · Non-Movable Actors
The framework helps distinguish between different forms of support, ambiguity, and opposition—and identify where engagement may be most effective.
What We Found
Ambiguity, not simply opposition, is the central challenge.
Symbolic support is more common than explicit support. Silence often reflects political risk rather than outright opposition. And a smaller group of symbolic and persuadable political actors may offer the greatest opportunity for movement.
Symbolic support → Explicit support
Silence → Engagement
Private openness → Public positioning
Practitioner Resource
Political Signaling & Advocacy Strategy
Our practitioner resource brings together the research, Political Signaling Framework, selected MP analysis, and practical guidance for identifying and engaging persuadable political actors.
Working in LGBTQ+ advocacy, policy, or political engagement in India? Contact us to request a copy of the practitioner resource.