For many transgender individuals, the very spaces that are meant to provide safety and refuge – their own homes and private spaces – can be hotbeds of violence, assault, neglect, and discrimination. In such dire circumstances, transgender shelter homes become nothing short of a lifeline, as essential as schools, hospitals, and courts. The Transgender Act of 2020 marked a crucial turning point in addressing this issue, paving the way for a pilot scheme in April 2021. The SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood & Enterprise) scheme contracted 12 Garima Grehs (shelter homes) in nine states. It was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with the intent of providing shelter homes which equip transgender persons with the capacity, skill sets, shelter, food, medical care, and various necessities but, more importantly, create a physical space which is a secure environment for the residents for protection against atrocities. The scheme was launched on December 15, 2021, bringing a glimmer of hope to the transgender community, with the government allocating Rs 365 crore over five years.