REIGN OF RAINBOWS

 

Decades after Independence, India is still considered as a developing Country. While our nation is considering all possible means to crown itself as a developed country, but are Indians extending their hand to welcome the LGBTQ+ community? LGBTQ+ community has been brought to the limelight only in the past few years, until then individuals from this community were tight lipped as they feared discrimination in this society. This community is now been accepted from the major cities in India. Unfortunately, discrimination still lies in the rural areas as they believe that marriage is a holy union between two opposite sexes.

The terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ are often used interchangeably, but these are whole different concepts altogether. Our first step to understand this community is to be mindful with the usage of the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’. All these years, transgender were referred to as other than male or female, now is the time to make it mainstream. Sex Education plays an important role as it gives more prominence to such communities which in turn make them comfortable to open up without any hesitation.

One must use non gendered pronouns like they/them if one does not know the individual’s pronoun from the community. We must not refer someone by their dead name. Dead name is the name given at the time of birth, but they no longer use due to the gender transition. These are some of the ways to be an ally to the community.

According to our law of the land, one should not be discriminated on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth yet we find such discrimination in the society. However, a landmark decision was made by our Honorable Supreme Court in the year 2018 in the case Navtej Singh Johar v Union of India by striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. This case was indeed a victory for the LGBTQ+ community and has given a platform for the community to speak confidently about their identity.

Gradually, companies in India are open to recruit employees from the community to create a diverse workplace. An employment opportunity for the community not only extends to the Private Sector but also in the field of politics.  India is also taking part in celebrating Pride month to promote the pride among the LGBTQ community. This shows that our Nation is heading positively towards LGBTQ. Many regional films are bringing awareness about the community to break the taboo in the society.  A website named Pink List India was started in the year 2019 and has recognized those candidates who have publicly supported LGBTQ+ rights. These are few of the initiatives that are bringing equality in the society. Social media platform is a boon in creating awareness of LGBTQ+ as it reaches wide range. Equal opportunities should be given in order to bridge the disparity in society by providing secured social lifestyle. Thus, begins reign of rainbows.

BY - Anagha Sundaresh

       B.Com, LL.B 6^th Semester