Many in India's LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning) community are hiding their real selves as they remain stuck with their families for months during the coronavirus lockdown - sometimes with dire consequences.

Kumar*, a young gay man living in a town in northern India, was physically assaulted by his family, who then called the police, when they found out his secret.

"They found his phone - he was chatting with someone or sharing photos - and beat him up," said Shruta Neytra, co-founder of the LGBTQ online youth support group, Yaariyan.

Kumar reached out to the group seeking help. But because of coronavirus restrictions on travel and movement, there was little anyone could do.

And he is not alone.

"We are hearing of so many cases where people are facing harassment and psychological torture by their families," Neytra told the AFP news agency.

"It is very distressing because we can't even tell them to leave home and seek shelter elsewhere."

The lockdown that began in March brought misery to millions, destroying migrant workers' livelihoods and driving many deeper into poverty. The restrictions also left LGBTQ Indians - already living on the margins - vulnerable to further abuse, often at the hands of their own families.

For transgender woman Anjali Siroya, going to work and seeing friends has always been a lifeline, taking her away from the hostile environment of the Mumbai tenement flat she shares with her parents and brother.

LGBTQ activists have largely advised members of the community to do nothing until life returns to normal.

"As an out and proud trans person, I would never tell another person not to live their truth," said Jo, digital editor for online forum Gaysi, who goes by one name.

"But right now, it is simply too dangerous to come out of the closet."

Read the full article about LGBTQ Indians at Al Jazeera.