Yash Sharma is the Founder of the Official Humans of Queer. A gender non-conforming, first-generation learner from Delhi, Yash is dedicated to queer advocacy, storytelling, and sexual health awareness. Growing up with limited access to resources and safe spaces, they navigated significant challenges in understanding their queer identity.
While studying Zoology at Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, Yash began exploring queer spaces and advocacy, later strengthening this work with an MA in Social Work (2021–2023). In 2020, they founded @officialhumansofqueer (OHOQ), a digital storytelling platform that has grown into a leading voice for LGBTQIA+ narratives in India.
They have also held leadership roles at Impulse New Delhi, where they promoted sexual health and queer inclusion. Recognized nationally and globally, Yash has featured as part of the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2024) in Social Impact, The Diana Award (2024), Girl Up India’s Champion of Change (2023), and the LIKHO Award by The Humsafar Trust (2023).
Through OHOQ and their advocacy, Yash continues to amplify authentic queer voices, focusing on the lived realities of men who have sex with men (MSM) and people with penises, using storytelling as a tool for change.
As part of the team at the Festival, he ‘shadows’ the Festival direct with whom he works closely on critical aspects such as content curation and identifying talent within the LGBTQIA+ community. He solely handles experiential elements such as the curation of stalls and the volunteer programme.
