LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITIES – POLITY
What is in the news?
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Giving voice to the
LGBTQIA+ community, and others who need visibility.
What is LGBTQIA+?
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The LGBTQAI+ acronym
stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual
and others.
Issues faced by the communities:
1. No Right to freedom of expression:
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Acceptance of their
sexuality and freedom to openly express their gender choices still remain a
constant struggle for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people.
2. Social stigmatization:
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Homophobia and
transphobia are prevalent in Indian society. These communities are often facing
harassment, violence in public places.
3. Lack of legal recognition:
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Despite decriminalizing
the community under section 377, still they are facing legal challenges in
marriages etc. This leads to issues on inheritance, adoption etc.
4. Media portrayal:
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Media portrayal of
LGBTQIA individuals in India has historically been stereotypical and
insensitive, reinforcing negative perceptions and hindering societal
acceptance.
5. Lack of Representation:
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LGBTQIA+ individuals are
often underrepresented in media, politics and governance and are not included
in mainstream society.
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This can make it
difficult for them to have their voices heard and for their needs to be
addressed.
6. Rural LGBTQIA+ communities:
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Due to lack of internet
and lack of progressiveness, these communities in rural areas are facing more
issues like stigmatization, non acceptance in the family and society etc.
7. Sexual abuse:
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Due to sexual
orientation, they are sexually harassed and brought into the sexual
trafficking.
Initiatives taken to advance their interests:
1. Removal of section 377 of the IPC, 1860:
●
In the case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India,
the Supreme Court of India partially decriminalized
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Previously, Section 377 made it
illegal for homosexuals to have sexual relations.
2. National Legal Services Authority vs. Union
of India:
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The Apex Court recognized transgender as the third gender
in this case.
3. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights)
Act 2019:
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The Transgender Persons
(Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 is an act of the Parliament of India with the
objective to provide for protection of
rights of transgender people, their welfare, and other related matters.
4. Reservation benefits:
●
The transgender persons
are given three percent reservations
under India’s quota policy in education and jobs.
WAY FORWARD:
1. Supportive Policies and Laws:
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The government can create
supportive policies and laws that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals from
discrimination, hate crimes, and violence.
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This can include laws
that protect the rights of transgender individuals.
2. Awareness promotion:
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Implement inclusive
education programs that promote awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA issues
in schools and colleges.
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Government
can promote awareness about pride month celebrations.
3. Inclusive policy making:
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Government should
consider all the people including
LGBTQIA+ community, while making any policies.
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This inclusivity from the
government side will have a domino effect on society at large.
4. Harassment complaint cell:
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Government should create
an initiative to complain about the harassment faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
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In the lines of She Box, similar initiatives can be
taken.
5. Sensitization of Healthcare Providers:
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Conduct training and
sensitization workshops for healthcare professionals to ensure LGBTQIA-friendly
healthcare services and create a non-discriminatory environment in medical
institutions.