Tag: Transphobia | Page 3

Quote: The webinar had participation from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It focused on country-wise sharing of what the law is, in the respective countries, regarding transgender identity acceptance; what aspects of the law disappoint, or create obstacles for transgender communities in realizing their rights; and how have governments and other stakeholders reached out to transgender communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Happenings, Insight, Policy Matters Feb '21

Transgender rights in South Asia: Trends, crises and opportunities

By Debjyoti Ghosh, Jia Mata, Pawan Dhall

Excerpts from the report of a recent webinar on transgender rights in South Asia organized by Partners for Law in Development and Varta Trust

Quote: When it’s a well-known fact that transgender people in India have been historically marginalized, and are still marginalized socially and economically, despite gaining legal rights, how are such limited supplemental rations supposed to help them? The amounts provided would barely cover the carbohydrates required for one person over a week to a fortnight. The bigger question is why should transgender people receive lesser rations than other citizens of India!

Vartanama Dec '20

Theme for a dream in 2021

By Debjyoti Ghosh

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown new light on food (in)security for transgender persons, says Debjyoti Ghosh

The graphic shows a circular word cloud formed with terms and expressions used in the accompanying article. For example, ‘domestic violence’, ‘marriage’, ‘coercion’, ‘family violence’, ‘eviction’, ‘threats’, ‘police’, ‘queer’ and so on. The text in the word cloud is in a light colour and stands against a background of deep blue. The circular word cloud is itself placed on a black rectangular shape with fuzzy outlines, and this rectangle is placed on a background made up of the rainbow pride flag colours. The word cloud, the rectangle and their colouration are meant to symbolize a reality check when it comes to the experiences of queer people in India even after decriminalization. Graphic credit: Pawan Dhall

Advice - Rights and Laws Sep '20

Stay home, stay safe?

By Diksha Sanyal

COVID-19 lockdowns may eventually go, but domestic violence against queer persons not quite so. Diksha Sanyal offers some legal solutions

Quote: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 fails to recognize that families are often sites of violence for transgender minors. Asha’s guardians, namely her maternal aunt and uncle, were the perpetrators of violence in her case. To vest the exercise of the right to self-identified gender in the hands of parents or guardians ends up truncating the right to chosen gender identity for transgender minors.

Insight, Policy Matters Aug '20

Which way home for transgender minors?

By Namrata

Namrata on policy and legal failures to address the concerns of transgender minors in need of crisis shelter – with inputs from Madhuja Nandi and Pawan Dhall

This illustration shows the cover page of the report ‘Gendering of Development Data in India: Beyond the Binary’ published by the Centre for Internet and Society, Bangalore in June 2020. Right on top of the page are the logos of Big Data for Development and the Centre for Internet and Society. The title of the report follows in a bold green typeface. Below the title are the names of Brindaalakshmi K. and Sumandro Chattapadhyay, the author and editor of the report, respectively. The bottom of the page has the following text: “Produced as part of the Big Data for Development network supported by International Development Research Centre, Canada.” This is followed by the name and website of the Centre for Internet and Society https://cis-india.org. The cover page is white and has minimal colours from the logos and the text. The page is presented against a deep blue background.

Policy Matters Aug '20

Red flag on ‘data-driven exclusion’ of transgender people

By Brindaalakshmi K.

‘Gendering of Development Data in India: Beyond the Binary’ – study reveals how structural gaps keep out transgender persons from the social welfare net, not just poor data collection

This photograph is an evening-time long shot of the Hooghly River from the river bank on the Kolkata side. The photograph shows a large expanse of the river. The backdrop shows a golden yellow setting sun and a blue sky tinged with orange light in the horizon. The river waters seem absolutely calm and a large passenger boat with many people on board can be seen right in the line of the sun’s reflection on the water. More vessels can be seen towards the right edge of the photograph and in the distant background. The river bank on the far side is a hazy line of trees and a few industrial structures. The overall sense is one of serenity. The setting sun can be a symbol of renewal as much as a rising one. Photo credit: Pawan Dhall

Coronavirus Diary, Vartanama Jul '20

Turning seven in a world turned upside down?

By Pawan Dhall

There couldn’t have been a better time for ‘Varta’ webzine to complete seven years

Coronavirus Diary, Insight Jul '20

Trans masculine persons in Odisha respond to lockdown with resilience

By Bana, Chandan Kumar Nayak, Pradosh Dash

Health worker and community organiser Bana reports on the situation of trans masculine people in Odisha during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown – with inputs from Chandan Kumar Nayak, Pradosh...

This graphic is a combination of a photograph and an extract from the accompanying article. The photograph to the left of the graphic shows a daytime long shot of an empty and calm Guwahati city street during the ongoing lockdown. Only a cyclist and a couple of pedestrians can be seen on the road some distance away (moving away from the photographer). The road has a verdant canopy of trees and several buildings can be seen in the background, across the road. The extract says: “In Raj’s case, his family is at least aware of his gender identity. But for Madhav, talking about his sexual orientation to his family of farmers and daily wage earners seems impossible. Just like with Raj, chances are that his family too will disown him. For now he prefers to live in peace, dreams of learning 'Bollywood dance' so that he can be a professional dancer some day, and desires to have a same-sex partner. Raj desires stability and wants him and his wife Meena to be accepted by his family. He wishes for an inclusive workplace and a regular source of income so that he can provide for Meena’s needs and focus on his own gender affirmation surgery and aftercare.” Photo credit: Indranee Kalita

Coronavirus Diary, People Jul '20

Amid pandemic of struggles, no lockdown on aspirations

By Rudrani Rajkumari

In the first of paired narratives of queer lives during the lockdown in Assam, Rudrani Rajkumari brings you the stories of two queer men

This graphic is a humorous take on some of the issues raised in the article below and uses a popular meme from the 1975 Bollywood film ‘Deewar’. It has two speech blurbs. One of them represents the coronavirus and says, “Aaj mere pass duniya bhar mein lockdown karane ki taaqat hai. Kya hai tumhare pass?” The other blurb represents the author who responds by saying, “Mere pass doston ka saath hai, Varta hai, aur ma-ida bhi hai!” The speech blurbs are presented in attractive patterns and colours on a dark background to make them stand out. Graphic credit: Pawan Dhall

Vartanama Jun '20

Never have I ever . . .

By Pawan Dhall

Pawan Dhall shares some lockdown revelations

This main graphic is a collage of sketches of three different pairs of human eyes. Each sketch, rectangular in shape, appears several times in the graphic in different sizes and places. Some of the sketches are in tones of black and white, while some have a sepia tint. Together the sketches fill up the rectangular graphic space, creating a ‘brick wall of eyes’ looking at the reader, as if to ask a question. The question could be about why families of trans persons often treat them in an inhuman way, even when the trans persons do everything in their power to take care of their families in situations such as the current coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Why is their love not returned with equal care and affection? This issue is the main theme of the article associated with this graphic. Artwork credit: Ranjay Sarkar (pencil sketch on paper), Pawan Dhall (visualisation)

Coronavirus Diary, Insight Jun '20

Calling out ‘family values’

By Sudipa Chakraborty, Sukanta Banerjee, Joyita Mondal

Sudipa Chakraborty, Sukanta Banerjee and Joyita Mondal point out that the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown have heaped both ‘abuse’ and ‘responsibility’ on trans persons, perhaps more than ever before. With...

This illustration is a combination of a photograph of Atey, the trans boy who is the main focus of the article, and an extract from the article. The photograph shows Atey standing on a balcony or a terrace of a building not too high, with his back leaning on to a concrete railing and both arms spread out on the railing. He is dressed in a teenager’s smart casual clothes and dark glasses. He has a slight smile as he looks at the camera. The background, in some distance, shows tall trees and the hustle and bustle of pavement shops, people and traffic. The accompanying text says: “This is not the first time that Atey has stopped going to school. The same problem occurred when he was in primary school. But when some of us who are engaged in trans activism sensitized the school authorities to the realities of trans persons, they made amends and allowed Atey to wear the boys’ uniform. Unfortunately, for his higher classes, Atey had to change schools and the new school has not been willing to revisit its rules. My film highlights the contradiction between our rigidly gendered educational institutions and the space for gender plurality in Meitei traditions.” Photo credit: Borish Yumnam

Policy Matters Jun '20

For those in lockdown – with or without coronavirus

By Santa Khurai

Santa Khurai proposes continued online education for trans students who may be unable to attend school or college even when the lockdown is lifted

This illustration shows two photographs – on the left is a threat letter received by Joyita Mondal on December 7, 2018 apparently from a Hindu politico-religious outfit located in Joyita’s neighbourhood in Islampur. In gist, it says Joyita as a trans person has been a bad influence on Islampur, that she should leave the Thana Colony area, failing which there could be drastic consequences. The letter is unsigned and ends with the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram, Bharat Mata ki Jai’. The letter is written in Bengali with orange coloured ink on plain white paper (no letterhead used). More details on the letter content available in the article below. To the right of the threat letter is a complaint filed by Joyita at Islampur Police Station also on December 7, 2018. The complaint was against persons unknown for threatening Joyita through the anonymous letter. The complaint was also written in Bengali – on the letterhead of Dinajpur Natun Aalo Society, a queer support organization headed by Joyita. Photographs courtesy Joyita Mondal

Insight, People May '20

Story of a trans warrior – 10 years done, more to come (part 3)

By Pawan Dhall, Vaaswat Sarkar

A rambling conversation with Islampur-based trans rights activist Joyita Mondal who not long ago had to change houses under threats of violence, but emerged stronger from the ordeal

The photograph shows a young Launda dancer from West Bengal posing for the camera somewhere in Bihar before a performance. She is seated in a graceful pose on a wooden stage, dressed in a bright mauve ‘ghagra-choli’, and smiling at the camera while forming a love sign with her hands. Her face has been blurred to maintain confidentiality. The stage is well lit and has a decorative covering. Sound and light equipment for the stage can be seen piled up behind the dancer. Another dancer can be seen twirling on the stage – only partially visible to the right side of the photograph. Photo courtesy Joyita Mondal

Coronavirus Diary, Happenings May '20

Missing in the migrant story, silenced in the ‘atmanirbharta’ clamour

By Joyita Mondal, Pawan Dhall

Joyita Mondal speaks to Pawan Dhall on the precarious situation of Launda dancers from North Bengal stranded in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh because of the lockdown

This daytime photograph shows a scene from the ‘Global Day of Rage’ protest in Guwahati against the Supreme Court’s verdict that had reinstated Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code on December 11, 2013. This verdict had generated huge controversy and protests worldwide as the apex court had overturned an earlier Delhi High Court ruling that had read down Section 377 and decriminalized queer people in India. The photograph shows around a dozen individuals of different genders gathered on a pavement outside what seems like a public park. A discussion seems to be going on among the protestors. A large cloth banner that says “Global Day of Rage against 377” can be seen hanging from the iron fencing of the park. One of the protestors sitting on the pavement holds a poster that says “Repeal 377”. Many of the protestors are dressed in black. One of them has a photographic camera in his hand. Photo courtesy Satrang – The Gay India

Vartanama Apr '20

It’s my life, not for yours to imagine

By Rudrani Rajkumari

Rudrani Rajkumari wants queer activists and groups in mainland as well as North-East India to be honest to the purpose of community development work in north-eastern India

This daytime photograph shows a scene from the first rainbow pride walk organized by Dinajpur Natun Aalo Society in Islampur in 2017. The event was titled ‘Sathiya Uttorer Gourab Jatra’. The photograph shows a number of walk participants, mostly trans women, passing through a busy street in Islampur. Some of the participants are dressed in colourful attire and dancing to the music of drummers. Others are waving small rainbow flags. A couple of two-wheelers are moving along with the walkers. A crowd of bystanders can be seen on the pavement which is lined with a variety of shops. Some people are using their mobile phones to take photographs or videos of the walk. All in all a cheerful and dramatic capture of the walk. Photo courtesy Dinajpur Natun Aalo Society

Insight, People Apr '20

Story of a trans warrior – 10 years done, more to come (part 2)

By Pawan Dhall, Vaaswat Sarkar

A rambling conversation with Islampur-based trans rights activist Joyita Mondal who not long ago had to change houses under threats of violence, but emerged stronger from the ordeal

This is a combination of a photograph of trans activist Joyita Mondal, who is profiled in the article, and one of her quotes extracted from the article. The photograph is a close shot of a smiling Joyita Mondal looking towards the camera. Her kohl-laden eyes and a rose red ‘bindi’ with a black outline make for a striking look that seems to go well with her make-up, light jewellery and dress. She is wearing a garland of white flowers in her hair. She seems to be attending a trans women’s community event; there is another trans woman visible in the background though her image is blurred. The quote text says: “On the 10th of January in 2010, I decided to form an organization called Dinajpur Natun Aalo but did not register it then. It was here in Islampur that I found my dear ones, heard their plight and how together we could work our way forward . . . Many organisations operated in West Bengal but Islampur or North Bengal was a region where much work had not been done with men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans women.” Photo courtesy Joyita Mondal

Insight, People Mar '20

Story of a trans warrior – 10 years done, more to come (part 1)

By Pawan Dhall, Vaaswat Sarkar

A rambling conversation with Islampur-based trans rights activist Joyita Mondal who not long ago had to change houses under threats of violence, but emerged stronger from the ordeal

Tagged Under: Transphobia

Transgender rights in South Asia: Trends, crises and opportunities

Theme for a dream in 2021

Stay home, stay safe?

Which way home for transgender minors?

Red flag on ‘data-driven exclusion’ of transgender people

Turning seven in a world turned upside down?

Trans masculine persons in Odisha respond to lockdown with resilience

Amid pandemic of struggles, no lockdown on aspirations

Never have I ever . . .

Calling out ‘family values’

For those in lockdown – with or without coronavirus

Story of a trans warrior – 10 years done, more to come (part 3)

Missing in the migrant story, silenced in the ‘atmanirbharta’ clamour

It’s my life, not for yours to imagine

Story of a trans warrior – 10 years done, more to come (part 2)

Story of a trans warrior – 10 years done, more to come (part 1)

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