LGBTQ community continues to face discrimination

The Supreme Court may have repealed Section 377 and the state government may have introduced a transgender policy, but life for the LGBT community has not changed.

Participants at Sunday’s Namma Pride march said they are rejected by citizens, and corporate and government officials.

Over 3,000 people marched at the 11th edition of Namma Pride and Karnataka Queer Habba, organised by CSMR (Coalition for Sex Workers, Sexual & Sexuality Minorities’ Rights), Karnataka.

“We go through a lot of harassment, the biggest of them is getting a gender certificate,” said Kumar, a member of Samara Society. “We have to undergo a series of tests at recognised government hospitals to get gender certificates. It’s very shameful. Many refuse to obtain a gender certificate because of the embarrassment, though it helps us get recognition.”

An in-house census says of the 7,000 LGBTQs in the city, a meagre 250 have obtained gender certificates. Many working at government and private sectors refuse to come out due to social stigma, said Julian, a participant.

“We are unable to get government jobs, rental accommodation or bank loans. After the court order, many private organisations have sacked their employees on learning about their identities,” Kumar added.

‘I have no friends’

Cosmetology student Riyana said people distance themselves once they come to know her real identity. “I have no friends in college,” she said. “It’s very difficult to continue my part-time job on many days. Even the police ill-treat us. The promise of awareness programmes to sensitise people hasn’t happened,” Riyana said.

While the state conducts training programmes like tailoring and beautician courses through its departments, getting jobs or financial aid even from the government is impossible.

The government has not yet called the association members to understand their demands and issues, said Yash, an organiser and participant.

Their demands include full implementation of the SC verdict, sensitising the LGBTQIA community and the private sector, implementation of the Karnataka transgender policy, 2017 and review of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016.