LGBTQ struggles to find standing in society

New Delhi: As the world celebrates “Pride Month” this June, the LGBTQ community in India continues to lead a life fraught with dangers and neglect.

From abuse, constant fear of being persecuted, hiding of one’s sexual preference and humiliation in public sphere, the community sees it all — every day.  

LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. A popular variant added the letter Q for those who identify as “queer” or are questioning their sexual identity.  

June is celebrated worldwide as the Pride Month, but the community members and activists feel that the month’s significance is limited to marches and panel discussions without any concrete steps on the ground.

LGBTQ activist Mohnish Malhotra, who has been organising Pride Parade in the city, said violent incidents against the community members have become a common sight.

On May 22, a 22-year-old cross dressing orphan was reportedly killed by seven persons, including three juveniles. He was stabbed multiple times in the chest, face and head with a Swiss knife.

On June 6, a woman alleged on Twitter that her gay friend was physically assaulted and verbally abused by police personnel in south Delhi’s Hauz Khas village. The police, however, termed the incident a “misunderstanding”.

“These incidents have happened time and again. The situation is such that the daily routine of the people of the community has become a struggle. We are equally as much the citizens of this nation, and must be treated same under the Constitution. What we ask for is the right to exist without the constant fear of being persecuted,” Mr Malhotra said.

Activists feel that the community has to face homophobia on a daily basis, with people refusing accommodation and other basic needs to the LGBTQ members.   

“The LGBTQ members have to keep their sexual preferences hidden so that they are able to live a normal life,” said lawyer-activist Anand Grover, who is a founder-member of Lawyers Collective.