LGBT say they are harassed by society, denied employment, seek justice

Transgender, homosexual and eunuch communities say they are being harassed and denied employment due to social stigma.

Members of Mitr, a community based organisation of men who have sex with men (MSMs) and transgender people say the low-income marginalised community members face many issues as they are not accepted by society.

“Stigma and discrimination still exists in all forms. Parents accept us the way we are but society treats us like aliens. Our neighbours enquire about why we walk in a different way and talk and dress up like the way we do. They allege that their children are scared of us and might follow our lead. We are not doing this on purpose. This is not a disease, it is the way we are,” said Sumit Kumar, programme manager with Mitr.

Sumit adds he suffered a great deal when he revealed to his family and peers that he  was gay.

Community members say that their main aim is to empower socially excluded and stigmatised men to secure for themselves social justice and well-being through technical and financial support.

However, the police and other society members are not co-operating. Instead they harass the community members, which have close to 20,000 members in Delhi.
Members add that the society's perception has changed over the years but it has been a slow progress.

For instance, Rohit was recently beaten up by some boys who passed comments on his appearance. When Rohit approached the police, instead of filing an FIR, they abused him and said he deserved to be beaten up because he was homosexual.
“They saw him bleeding but did not help him in any way. Only after Mitr approached the police station did they file an FIR,” said Sumit.

When it comes to employment, most of the community members are not given jobs because employers are uncomfortable with their social identities.

Most of them join NGOs that comprise of these community members while some lie about their identities when applying for jobs in reputed organisations. Some are also currently working as sex workers in suburban areas of Delhi.
Eunuchs and transgender people claim they are denied houses on rent because of their identity.

“Even when we can afford good houses the landlords are not ready to accept us as tenants. We are forced to stay in jhuggi jhopris but it is difficult to convince people to give us places on rent there as well,” said Paro, an eunuch who lives in Sagarpur, West Delhi.

Counsellors say it is extremely difficult for some homosexual and transgender people to reveal their identities to their family members.

“Many face sexual harassment and abuse from relatives and most of them are unhappy and confused about the way they feel. They curse their fate but say they cannot stop themselves from dressing up like women and feeling like one,” said Kanta, a counsellor for the community.