This crosscultural qualitative study attempts to understand and identify various patterns of violence experienced by men who have sex with men and transwomen and the link between such experiences and drivers of HIV and mental health across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Sexual and gender minorities face violations of their human rights due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. The study includes recommendations to mitigate and minimise effects of violence on mental health and HIV vulnerabilities through programme and policy efforts.