The Hindu : National : Transgender groups demand right to life

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Transgender groups demand right to life

Staff Reporter

“Those with alternative sexualities are expressions of diversity of humanity”

— Photo: Lingaraj Panda

Members of the sexual minority group take out a rally in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

BHUBANESWAR: People belonging to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups took out a rally here on Saturday, demanding their right to life and dignity.

Christened ‘Rainbow Pride Walk,’ the rally was attended by those from sexual minority groups.

“Those with alternative sexualities and gender identities are expressions of diversity of humanity. We are not suffering from physical or mental illness. Our sexualities and gender are not the result of western culture or media influence; nor are they indicators of cultural degradation,” Subham Mishra, a leading gay activist, said.

Just as attraction and love go beyond the bounds of caste, religion, class and language, they transcend gender and gender identity. “Differences are not to be despised; our diversity is to be celebrated.” The members demanded steps for their welfare and protection of their rights and deletion of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.

“We demand an immediate halt to discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders by physicians, mental health professionals and hospitals, and to the attempts at changing the sexual orientation through drugs, electro-shock therapy or other means,” a member.

At a seminar earlier, experts and activists hailed the boldness with which these people started pressing for their rights.

“Sex is three-dimensional: procreation, recreation and relationship. Every adult should be given the freedom to chose. The way these people have started raising their voice, Section 377 would one day be deleted,” said Bhagawan Prakash, an activist.

Prevalence of AIDS

Parameswar Swain, project director of the Orissa State AIDS Control Society, however, expressed concerns at the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among groups of men having sex with men and injection drug users.

About seven per cent of the State’s population were found infected with this disease, he said.

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