A LAB JOURNAL OF THE PG STUDENTS OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION COMMUNIQUE CONCERN, COMPASSION, CONSCIENCE

VOLUME -11; ISSUE - 01 ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) July 2019

The month of June is The rainbow spectrum explained celebrated as “Pride Month” during which rainbow flags, Ankita Roy sexuality along with it being a very request to create it from the first Director of Swabhava Trust – hats, shoes, and more come intimate aspect, is also a necessity openly U.S. politician, Harvey regarding the need to have separate out in full force across the exuality, or sexual as it grooms a person’s psychology. Milk. flags for every sub-community globe. Cities all around the orientation is a spectrum; Hayley Kiyoko, informally History recalls the first ever that fall under the LGBTQIA+, he world host Pride marches, Snot of colours or sexual titled Lesbian Jesus –who once rainbow flag to consist of eight said, “The LGBTQIA+ movement brands launch Pride identities but of experiences and sang “girls like girls like boys do, colours, each representing it’s own replicates some of the divisions collections, and social media learnings. nothing new,” held open the doors significance; hot pink for sex, red that our usual, conforming society platforms release special The golden rule to first study the for more queer artists to create and for life, orange for healing, yellow enforces upon us. It is necessary spirited features that get users LGBTQIA+ community is to never write songs that make the not-so- for sun, green for serenity with to challenge them and ensure that and influencers creating and forget that there is a whole history straight hearts feel giddy. nature, turquoise for art, indigo the larger community recognises sharing. of lives in repression when we for harmony, and violet for spirit. the many more identities that run in Pride isn’t just a chance discuss the queer community. Why do we use the rainbow, However, a sad fortune followed minority.” for brands to join the For the majority of the members you might ask? as two of the colours were striked Let us delve in a little deeper conversation; it’s a chance belonging to the LGBTQIA+ off due to the lack of fabric, thus to understand what exactly the for them to market for community, it was hiding their It all began with no more than leaving the current rainbow flag LGBTQIA+ stands for. The good. As hashtags, contests, sexual orientation in order to fit in two people- an artist named Gilbert with six colours. initialism itself is not merely a Instagram posts, stories, the society’s norms and traditions, Baker by day, and “Busty Ross” On an interview with Vinay combination of letters that represent videos, livestreams, and or to safeguard their life by not by queens, who of course, Chandran, peer counsellor at identities, rather, every letter has more surround the events and . Being aware of one’s designed the flag, and a keen Sahaya Helpline and the Executive it’s own history embodied. festivitiesPride isn’t just a chance for brands to join the conversation; it’s a chance Label us correct: defining LGBTQQIAAP for them to market for good.

es, that is the current who are drawn physically and to label themselves as anything else men and women who support the acronym which hides emotionally to people of same and/ confidently without being sure. community, gay rights, and the Continued in page 6 Ybehind the ‘+’ in the or different genders at some point members. They are the ‘allies’ of our LGBTQIA+, because, let’s face it, during their lives. A very common cold war between the LGBTQIA+ it is a mouthful, and one wouldn’t misconception people tend to make community and . Film and television are want to sound rude if, perhaps because of the word ‘bi’ is that they greatly influential in shaping one forgets one of the letters. As limit the members of this heavily attitudes and concepts of mentioned earlier, every letter has diverse group to be attracted to only commoners in the Indian a significant element of history and two sexes or genders. It usually I –another sect of people whom scenario. This influence a subtle amount of struggle etched refers to those who are attracted to we tend to misunderstand, tease, P – definitely not the last letter ranges from the concept to itself. more than one gender on the gender ignore, and sometimes bully. These of the acronym, but the ‘P’ is the of fashion and food habits binary of male and female. members are those who identify short-form of a free and accepting to religious practices and themselves as ‘intersex’; the ones spirit that is capable to love beyond political affiliation. It is from who are born with reproductive two genders and sexes. These are this ground that we attempt body parts that typically do not the members of the ‘pansexual’ to discuss the portrayal of L – The ‘L’ stands for Lesbian/ fit the definition that determine a community who disregard gender the transgender in the Indian lesbianism, stemming from the T –we see them, we tease person as male or female. as a barrier when it comes to falling media, as their representation Greek island of Lesbos where the them, we ignore them; they are head over heels in love. in film and television shapes famous poet Sappho, with her the members of the ‘transgender’ the attitude of the Indian lyrically written poems gave birth community. Not to be mistaken Thus, when we talk about society towards them. to the idea of women being in love with ‘transsexuals’ (this term is sexuality, know that it is Bollywood avoided with women. Therefore, a lesbian is for those who go through surgical A –literally the aliens of the unimaginably difficult to simply transgender characters right a woman who is attracted to other transition across the gender binary community; jokes aside, these are sort everyone into houses of red, women – more than just wanting after confirming what gender the people most of us believe do blue, green, and yellow. Our sexual Continued in page 3 to be like them, and wanting to be they identify as) Transgenders are not exist, hence the alien term. The orientation is the history that we with them. people who discern themselves as ‘asexual’ tier, however is proud carry on our shoulders in the hopes anything that defies gender norms. to present many of its residents. to make a safer space for our future Sukanyeah Krishna is a 23 In other words, when a person These residents do not wish to be queer generations, and as every year old transgender who is who is born as a male biologically, or are, in a sexual manner, attracted pride month passes by each year, one of the most prominent identifies as a woman from within, to anyone. Although confusing may we never forget what roles faces of LGBTQ community G – If there was a three lettered ‘he’ would then likely to be referred them with being unromantic will the elders of the queer community in Bangalore. She left Kerala word that tried to ensemble the to as ‘she’, and vice versa. probably be a misjudgement of a performed to give us what we have in 2013 when she was 17 entire community, it would be the character, regardless the absence today and to move forward. years old and moved to word ‘gay’. The letter ‘G’ represents of their sexual interest. Other “Everyone chooses their own Bangalore and has since a very diverse population, not just subsections of asexuals include journey, and identity based been living here. She did her for men who are attracted to men. demisexuals, and aromantic journeys are fraught with many schooling till class 10 and Historically, the word ‘gay’ was Q – the ‘queer’ or ‘gender non- members. personal difficulties, struggles, and currently works as a web used as a broad term to encompass conforming’, the one with countless various emotional upheavals. No developer. the entire initialism of the modern facets. It is the safe space for one to one gets to label another person and She is a social activist, LGBTQIA+ community and other explore their sexuality, to question determine their personal identity actress, blogger, and also sexual minorities. and find oneself, and sometimes based on assumptions.”, Vinay a person with big dreams even to lose oneself. This is the Chandran concluded. for her community. She letter that defies all that seems Nevertheless, it goes without is currently working on conforming, and cornering. saying that our sexual orientation is different projects. Q –members who fall into this A – the cheerleaders of the a part of the collective of who we B –The most stereotypically subsection of queer people are the entire community, per se. These are, our identity is linked to self- Continued in page 7 envied sexual orientation of all, ones who are ‘questioning’ their people are the cisgender, or for identification and is not dependent the Bisexuals. These are the people sexual identity, and who do not wish the lack of smarter term, ‘straight’ on public perception. 02 COMMUNIQUE July 2019 50 years of Pride-its origin and importance

Vani Vinod private shame to public pride,” said Vinay Chandran, Executive croll through any social media Director of Swabhava Trust, an platform throughout June NGO that offers support services Sand you will find ubiquitous to LGBT people. After this presence of the rainbow pride flag, incident, Pride month is celebrated which represents the LGBTQIA+ worldwide in the month of June community. It encompasses lesbian, every year. gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, In 1978, the rainbow pride flag non-binary, asexual, polysexual, which is the most-recognized gender queer and gender-variant symbol of Gay Pride was unveiled people worldwide. The month at the San Francisco event. The flag, of June is commemorated as the with its eight colours (sexuality International Gay Pride Month and symbolized by hot pink, life by India is celebrating it for the very red, healing by orange, the sun first time! by yellow, nature by green, art by This year marks the 50th anniversary blue, harmony by indigo, and spirit of the historic Stonewall riots. by violet), was designed by San September 6, 2018 was a ‘rainbow Francisco artist Gilbert Baker was movement’ for the LGBTQIA+ adopted worldwide. The following activists in the Indian history, as the year a six-colour flag, which is Supreme Court decriminalised the commonly used today was unveiled controversial British-era Section (with red, orange, yellow, green, 377 of the Indian Penal Code. blue [harmony replaced art as symbolized by blue in the flag], and Taking a look at the history purple/violet), partially because of The pride celebrations began the unavailability of some of the back in 1970 to commemorate the fabric colours. anniversary of the Stonewall riots which started at the Stonewall Inn What is Gay Pride? Representational image Creative Commons in New York City. Police at the time Gay pride, or LGBT pride, is a were known to routinely conduct movement to celebrate the sexual gain the attention of mainstream He also added that the whole idea The country has undergone some raids on bars that patronised LGBT diversity of the LGBTQIA+ media, violence against the queer of the pride month is to get people changes in terms of people coming communities and many from community. The pride month gives community is far from over. belonging to the LGBTQIA+ out, being confident and proud to be the community were humiliated, an opportunity to the LGBTQIA+ This year witnessed a surge in communities to feel proud of their different etc. Recently we saw Dutee arrested or publicly shamed in front community to peacefully protest the participation of celebration identities and be comfortable Chand, India’s fastest sprinter and of the press or their families. The and raise political awareness against of gay pride, ever since it was about it in the public. It is all about the first Indian athlete to reveal that riots broke out during the early ignorance, lack of recognition, legalised. From parades to social reclaiming confidence and love. she is in a same-sex relationship. hours of June 28, 1969 after the discrimination and violence they media posts, people across all Amidst the celebrations of the pride “More people are out and proud police raided the Stonewall Inn bar face. Pride month celebrations platforms were extending support month this year, the one question of themselves and fewer people in New York City. worldwide includes pride parades, and encouragement towards the which lingers is: Are ‘they’ accepted are afraid of the consequences of The community fought back street parties, community events, community and spreading the core in our society? Well, the answer revealing. And now there are only against the police by shouting public speaking, workshops, poetry message of the movement: Love is still remains vague. Even when few people who wear face masks angrily, throwing bricks and other reading sessions etc which are well love. Even many brands extended mental health care practitioners during Pride marches simply objects leading to a full blown riot covered by the mainstream media their support for this historically consider homosexuality as a because there are fewer people in in the streets for three days. This underserved community. normal variation of human the closet,” added Chandran. He movement served as a catalyst to Why do we need the Pride “Pride month in Bangalore is sexuality, society somehow still also said that the present generation the modern gay rights movements. Month? actually celebrated in the month fails to accept them and as a result, has been advancing in their views “Stonewall riots is considered to Even though the LGBT rights have of November since June is the people of these communities strive on LGBTQIA+ communities be the moment when gay rights been recognised to some extent beginning of monsoons and humid to survive in this predominantly compared to our previous movement turned from being a and the movement has managed to or hot weather,” said Chandran. heterosexual world. generations.

Representational Image Creative Commons 03 COMMUNIQUE July 2019 From abnormal and lustful to bold and beautiful

Nithin Joseph Elanjimattom

ilm and television are greatly influential in shaping Fattitudes and concepts of commoners in the Indian scenario. This influence ranges from the concept of fashion and food habits to religious practices and political affiliation. It is from this ground that we attempt to discuss the portrayal of the transgender in the Indian media, as their representation in film and television shapes the attitude of the Indian society towards them. Bollywood avoided transgender characters right from the beginning; and whenever a character portraying them was inserted, it was to create a humorous instance in the film. They were usually portrayed just as flamboyant, laughing stocks. It is always a joke in films when a man has a feminine voice, or if he is dressed as a girl. Transgender characters have been represented as mentally sick or as someone abnormal. They have been stereotyped and depicted in negative characters like brothel owning villain, horny gay man, cross dressed abnormal or female dressed predator in Bollywood films; which is no less than throwing stones at their self- Movie poster of Arekti Premer Golpo Creative Commons esteem. The mentions of such films are avoided here purposefully or sexual depravity. This sexually the attitude towards them. Films are generally considered as if they tell stories of victimhood. Even if from referring since they are not loose, immoral trans woman figure are now the medium that changes are some outcast films. we write a narrative that defies their worth referring to, for the insult who is the object of ridicule or attitudes towards them by showing Certain films like “Njaan frames of victimhood, they rewrite and damage they have caused to fear helps to reinforce and create how much have they been suffering Marykutty” from the Malayalam it until we fit in their category of a this community. If we go back to the ‘purity’ and good morality of in a society where they are not film industry have depicted the victim. Opening shots of most films history we can understand that the the endogamous, dominant caste accepted. sorrowful life of a transgender and about trans women will show them transgender had a well-accepted woman.” It is good news that new filmmakers her struggle to attain heights in life putting on make-up, in front of a and well-respected position in the Isha, a trans person from Kerala consider these sexual minorities in in spite of the lashes she receives mirror, clapping hands at signals. Indian society. who has won numerous accolades a positive way that compensates from the society. The film was The script is already written and it The filmic misrepresentations are for her artistic performances the decades long misrepresentation received well, as a mainstream implies that we are performing in responsible for the transformation and social activism responded of the trans persons. For instance, movie by the Keralite audience. a particular way. They do not want of the public attitude towards the differently and told Communique: Netflix series Sacred Games depicts Another film worth referring is to show our struggles for dignity. transgender in the modern Indian “The film industry is a business a strong trans woman Kukoo, who the Bengali film “Arekti Premer They want to freeze us in frames of society. and they will do anything and has an important role. But there are Golpo”(Just another love story) victimhood. They want to see us as Gee Imaan Semmalar, a trans everything to make money; no also films like I by Shankar which which depicts the love of a single box categories that should be activist, theatre artist, film maker, matter who is displayed on screen depicted a transgender character in transgender filmmaker towards his indebted to them for so generously commented on this: “Trans in a negative shade - whether it be a totally negative shade. bisexual cinematographer. The film granting us space.” women in films are either mocked, a politician, policeman or a trans “Naan Avanalla…Avalu”, the discusses emotional turmoil faced Truthful depiction of the life of the ridiculed or feared. They are shown person. What I would tell my fellow Kannada film based on the by transgender and the thorn filled transgender in films and television as parodies of femininity. Because people is to avoid all these negative autobiography of a transgender path of overcoming them in a very is truly important. It is because femininity is seen as a weaker trait representations in the media and the Vidya, brought nearly 80 positive way. There are a number majority of the cis people in the under hetero patriarchy, they are mocking comments of the society transgender characters to screen. of films on the life of trans people society are curious about the life mocked and made into objects of boldly. Instead live your life with The film directed by B.S. and even film festivals have been to of the trans people. So when they ridicule. Trans women are most courage and show yourself as Lingadevaru depicts the life of the shed a spotlight on such films. are misrepresented in media their often depicted as sexually perverse. worthy before the society.” transgender community. But the Even towards those films that own struggle for a decent life get Immorality is permanently ascribed It is worth noting that as time sad fact is that such films that depict play the real life story of the trans demotivated, and their safety in the to them. The reason for their gender passes the image and representation their lives are not seen as normal people, Gee Imaan has a point of society comes into question. expression is seen as a result of lust of LGBTQ has changed along with films by the common audience but objection: “They always want us to

Riya Isha (L) transgender artist and social activist,Gee Iman Semmalar (R) trans activist and artist Handout 04 COMMUNIQUE July 2019 Is freedom for the LGBTQIA+ still questionable ? Manjusha B speaks ven after the decriminalisation of same- Esex relationships under Though there are constitutional rights for this community, what about our human right as an section 377, there are hate crimes and on-going marginalisation of “ adult Indian citizen? Do I have the freedom to get married and raise a family? To live freely the LGBTQIA+ community that and respectfully in this society as a heterosexual does? No, I can’t because it still is a distant persists till date. To know about the struggles that dream for us. In rural India, there are a few people still living their unpredicted lives under rejec- the people of the community face tion, threat, shame and opposite-sex marriages are forced on to them. In the future, what we need on a daily basis, our correspondent spoke to them and got a first hand is the acceptance and tolerance in our Indian society for the community. account of their situation. These are some of the voices that -Saugat Das, Makeup Artist, Bengaluru shared their own narratives.

Today, coming out as a heterosexual or cis-gender in this “ heteronormative society is still a big challenge. The ingrained patriarchy, conditioned toxic masculinity, religious and cultural beliefs in our society surely stands above the law in normalising the attitude towards gay community. I feel the most important step that needs to be taken into account is to legalise same sex marriage which will strengthen the community’s rights and equality.

-Anchitha SL, Student, MSc Counselling Psychology, Bengaluru.

Representational Image Creative Commons

I hope in the long run things will get easier for LGBTQIA+ “ kids to grow and thrive in a place that is accept-ing of their identity and moreover it should make them feel safe. In the shorter run, my expectations are from the community to make sure that we lay that foundation in place to make all the above happen because the law might be in support but we definitely haven’t reached a level of full societal acceptance. Nonetheless, it is important to have the law recognise your rights because it will now allow us to shape younger minds. I would like to see an anti-discrimination law being put in place.

-Shreyashi Narain (Name changed), Bengaluru.

Representational Image Creative Commons

The decriminalisation is only the first step in a very long way. We “ still hope to have marriage rights and maybe the right to adopt one day. Though we have begun moving forward toward a more inclusive country, the government and the people need to focus on getting more LGBTQIA+ friendly laws passed or getting the existing laws amended. We also need to consciously make an effort to take necessary steps to fight homophobia, and have difficult but important conversations regarding this topic in our society.

- Diya Ranka (Name changed), Bengaluru. Representational Image Creative Commons 05 COMMUNIQUE July 2019 Living through changing times when you are gay

stuff, it helps me gain a better the fear of feeling stranded” he insight of what my sexuality entails said. “I am not involved within my along with those who are under the community mainly because I am rainbow umbrella.” not open about my sexuality and The troubles she faces aren’t just also the line of work that I am in.” merely from the society around As someone working in the her. “There’s obviously a lot of education sector, he feels it’s judgement. I mean, even from neither safe nor wise to come out in friends and family members.” public due to a lack of job security It gets worse, being bisexual as well as personal safety. almost immediately leads to this “I was quite young and I barely request. “There’s the obvious understood the meaning of the word horned up guys and couples who discrimination, but I do remember approach (especially) bisexuals for being bullied for my effeminate three-ways. Just because we are nature, in a way that I have to attracted to either of the sexes or process that the way I talk, or walk, multiple genders does not mean we or move, or breathe, or exist has no don’t have a sense of monogamy or place in the society.” polygamy.” He went on to describe the necessity “Growing up as a girl, looking of having our communities and our like my sexual orientation was laws treat people equally in the exactly what was enforced. So I felt country. scared of being too feminine or not “The answer is simple, you enjoy being “masculine” enough if I had life, we enjoy life. We live only Representational Image Creative Commons to be with girls.” once. No one is allowed to tell us Not everything is as bleak as it to pick someone of their choice for Leah Liz Jacob come out as anything but straight seems though, since things seem us to spend the rest of our miserable She knew from a very young age when people who are straight don’t to have definitely changed for the life together. So in order to live in a that she was bisexual, but it was have to go through that, whereas the better these days. world of love, we have to let love ne teaches. The other only a few years ago that she could other part just wants to paint myself “The freedom, the ability to happen.” studies. They are like the come out to the public. pink and purple and walk out on the be open about my sexuality; I am Despite being placed on the Othousands around them “When it came to me liking a girl streets with a megaphone. There’s now in a place that either accepts opposite ends of the spectrum, their in almost every aspect except for the first time, it never occurred literally no in between.” or doesn’t fight me on my choice, wish remains the same, “Freedom one: their sexual orientation does to me as though it wasn’t normal. She does her best to stay makes me want to be more vocal to be who they are without not follow what can be called Although, I did freak out a bit active and involved in the Pride about it.” judgement.” We look forward conventional. What do you think when I liked boys, because it was community as she feels that it is a Now we move on to Brian*, who to more progressive pro-choice about those who open themselves confusing – but also exhilarating.” place where she can truly be herself works as an associate professor in decisions from the government up for criticism by attaching a label she said. without having anyone judge her, Bangalore. The freedom that Aditi* where people under all labels can to themselves? She’s still quite conflicted about or her choices. talked about has not been as evident feel both safe and secure. Until To understand this better, we talk the process of coming out as she “I basically post LGBTQIA+ for him. then, the battle for equal footing to two who are part of the same feels it is a very personal choice pictures/videos on social media that “I know for sure that I can’t be continues. field but doing very different tasks. and one that heterosexuals don’t underlines a form of acceptance, go myself in public places, or hold First, we have with us Aditi* who necessarily have to follow. “A part on meet – ups whenever possible, hands with your date or tell your *Names have been changed to protect is currently pursuing her Master’s. of me thinks that it’s absurd to and read and watch a LOT of gay friend/family/colleague without the identity of the individual.* 06 COMMUNIQUE July 2019 Analysing trends tied with the pride month Mark Vernum

he month of June is celebrated as “Pride Month” Tduring which rainbow flags, hats, shoes, and more come out in full force across the globe. Cities all around the world host Pride marches, brands launch Pride collections, and social media platforms release special spirited features that get users and influencers creating and sharing. Pride isn’t just a chance for brands to join the conversation; it’s a chance for them to market for good. As hashtags, contests, Instagram posts, stories, videos, livestreams, and more surround the events and festivities; Pride is a big moment for brands to show their support for the LGBTQ community and to use their promotional powers for good causes. From Pride stickers and filters to shirts and stories created to benefit organizations like the and the “It Gets Better” project, Pride is a major opportunity for engaging audiences and demonstrating solidarity. And despite consumer scepticism, brands realise the value in partnering up with relatable LGBTQ influencers to use it to their benefit. Social media platforms release pride features with Instagram at the helm of being a prominent participant in Pride Month. The platform exploits the opportunity by introducing Pride Stickers and a Rainbow Brush in Instagram Stories. In the past, Instagram has sponsored Rainbow Walls in five cities namely, Los Angeles, London, Madrid, Nashville, and Cleveland, partnering with artists to turn walls into beacons of support and acceptance. The year 2013 saw YouTube celebrating Pride Month for the first time with a video called “Show Your Pride”. The video featured content from LGBTQ creators on the platform which also included a couple of coming out videos. The coming out video was an incredibly emotional and personal experience, but being on a public platform, the stories are in service of the larger Brands promotiong pride month through social media goal of helping those struggling with their gender identity and queer on social media. Yang has conforming individuals, and also on a number of translations for able to edit or add more information sexuality. been active in a number of LGBTQ changed popular hashtags catering its popular Pride hashtags in the about your sexual orientation. It’s Two causes. Their videos go beyond to the LGBTQ+ to be displayed in platform’s most popular languages, totally up to you whether these are and Eugene Lee Yang took this the traditional coming out video. rainbow colours. including Japanese, Spanish, displayed on your profile or not tradition forward and released a They address the factors that made Instagram’s parent company French, Arabic, German, Korean, — the choice is yours, just like it 45 minute long video entitled coming out difficult for them isn’t sitting Pride Month out either. and more. should be”, said Tinder. “Basically I’m Gay” and a 5 and most importantly highlight Facebook added Pride features of Even popular dating apps like Cab service giants of the minute long video “I’m Gay” that these factors are still present its own, including Pride-themed Tinder and Bumble have added new world, Uber and Ola have also respectively. These were positively for many within the LGBTQ backgrounds for user status updates, features observing Pride month. added a feature on the app which received by the internet and joined community and don’t go away after Pride reactions for posts, stickers in The new features also include a is a rainbow trail of your ride the compendium of coming out coming out. After a violent backlash Messenger, and Pride masks and sexual orientation option, “More representing Pride month. This videos on YouTube that has been against LGBTQ people following frames for Facebook Camera. inclusivity means more room to year, fitness tracker app Strava has expanding since the platforms the expansion of marriage equality Twitter has joined the Pride be you. Sometimes you need a joined in with a similar trait. Other beginnings. While they remain true and same-sex decriminalization, Month fun too, revisiting its now- makeover to glow up and friends brands of fashion and cosmetics to the heart of the coming out video, Yang and Howell are the beginning familiar tradition of including the to help you do it. That’s why we’ve like Banana Republic, TomboyX their greater message diverges from of a new era of coming out videos Pride flag heart, with hashtags partnered up with GLAAD to help and cosmetic giant Mac came up earlier videos in response to a new which sees that more progress needs like #loveislove, #lovewins, and members of our community truly with campaigns such as the “Mac reality for LGBTQ people. to be made and current progress can #pride2019. The platform has also shine. Starting this June, we’re Loves Pride” among several others Both of the videos came be taken away. made the symbol more inclusive rolling out some updates and by big brands in the market. from creators who have already Instagram updated the gender by adding the transgender flag improvements. Please allow us to confirmed that they are queer. selection in user profiles to be more to one side of the heart. Twitter reorient ourselves.” Howell confirmed that he was inclusive of trans and gender non- has incorporated the symbols “For the first time ever, you’ll be 07 COMMUNIQUE July 2019 Sukanyeah, proud member of pride circle

Riya Gupta

BENGALURU:Sukanyeah Krishna is a 23 year old transgender who is one of the most prominent faces of LGBTQ community in Bangalore. She left Kerala in 2013 when she was 17 years old and moved to Bangalore and has since been living here. She did her schooling till class 10 and currently works as a web developer. She is a social activist, actress, blogger, and also a person with big dreams for her community. She is currently working on different projects. Her hobbies include riding bikes, to such an extent Transgender flag Creative commons that she is also part of many rider groups. She also likes travelling about the LGBTQ community. some people feel that being a part of the transgender community. young generation and to curb and writing. She is also involved in She is working hard towards of LGBTQ community is abnormal. The project is an initiative which bullying towards the students research practices and is currently creating more awareness about She is part of many online and aims at increasing the literacy rate from the community in colleges researching on types of rifles. She the community. She is fighting offline support groups for the among the third gender. by other students. She feels that is writing her autobiography which for the rights of the members of LGBTQ community. She also Sukanyeah is working towards students must be taught about is to be published in March next the community. “There is nothing supports the Kerala government’s creating more awareness about the the LGBTQ community as part year. She is also a part of Amnesty abnormal about this, it is your initiative for transgender education community through her speeches of their education. She feels that International. choice and no one has the right to called ‘Samanwaya’. The and writings. She also speaks spreading awareness can be key to Sukanyeah believes that there is supress the way we feel and call it Samanwaya project offers free as a guest in various colleges to a progressive future for the LGBTQ lack of awareness among people abnormal” said Sukanyeah on how secondary education to members spread awareness amongst the community within the country.

In the news Sukanyeah is currently working Sukanyeah has been in news earlier not only on education but also in 2017 for her love life. The employment for the people of the marriage between a transwoman LGBTQ community. She with and a transman was not only others from her community is taboo for the men and women organising this job fair on July 12 but surprisingly also among the which will take place at The Lalit transgender community. Breaking Ashok, Bangalore, informally titled the taboo of marriage between a as the first LGBTI job fair of India. transwoman and transman, the The event will be marked by keynote couple went against all the odds speakers and panel discussions. and was the first in India to tie The procedure will not require the knot legally. Sadly, the couple candidates to open up about their parted ways after 1 and a half year. sexuality to the companies hiring In 2017, Sukanyeah underwent them. Companies like Accenture, Gender Reassignment Surgery Godrej, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, JP (GRS) also known as Sex Morgan, The Lalit Ashok hotels, Reassignment Surgery (SRS). etc will be present at the event to Gender dysphoria is a condition hire people from the community. where a person feels conflicted “My life has been a roller coaster with the body which they are birth ride, there is past which I don’t assigned, as it does not match want to remember, and currently I their gender identity. GRS is an am living a happy life. It has been expensive procedure that changes a long struggle to reach here, when a person’s external genital organs I look back I feel proud about it from those of one gender to those and I feel I have accomplished my of the other. goals,” said Sukanyeah. Sukanyeah Krishna at a pride event Handout 08 COMMUNIQUE FEATURE July 2019 LGBTQ Community:The emerged or the emerging?

Ashmita Saha

he struggles of the LGBTQ community have not been Tprevailing only for a year or two before the historical judgement was passed by the Apex Court. It is a struggle that began over two decades ago. The final judgement stated, “Homosexuality is no longer a crime in India, and that the members of LGBTQ community have the same sexual rights as any other citizen”. The verdict that was passed on September 6 2018 follows constant hardships faced by the community from the 18th century’s law that dictated imprisonment for a term that may extend to ten years, or even a lifetime sentence, and a fine for whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature, labelled under “unnatural offences.” In today’s scenario though, homosexuals or any of the queer identities are ‘likely’ to be accepted in the society than they were, before Article 377 was decriminalised. The verdict though, hasn’t improved much of their situation. Their rights have lingered only within Representational Image Creative Commons the boundaries of their family, friends, and schools. Acceptance President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad “In Judaism, our scripture doesn’t Circle signal said that “The showed the naked and raw truth of still remains a constant struggle for said, “Homosexuality is against permit homosexuality.” struggle is very prominent from the struggles faced by a young man them. Indian culture, against nature Since time immemorial, a huge the very beginning. We know how (Karan) who plays a gay character In light of the present scenario, and against science.” Maulana number of LGBTQ members have it works and everyone look at us. on screen.. The journey of his an active member of the LGBT Madni, an Islamic organisation, been facing problems that revolve So, it is us that we all got. We have struggles from hiding his sexual community, Kavita Sarkar* Jaimat Ulema-e-Hind, has showed around violence, unemployment our celebrations, our own little identity since teenage till the time said, “Right after Article 377 got similar homophobic traits stating and social discrimination. People, parties and lot of fun to forget the he is arrested for being indulged decriminalised, people started that, “Homosexuality is a crime who have a habit of discriminating actual reality that the world covers. in sexual activity with a man and making fun and jokes and I feel according to scriptures and is others on any grounds, even take The disparity is such that we even then being brutalised by the police, more arrogant. And I think people unnatural. People cannot consider issue with the way people from the lose faith that anything is going exhibit the hardships of each also had a problem with it as though themselves to be exclusive of a LGBTQ community live their lives. to change; the upcoming days member in the community who it was a disaster. Even some days society. In a society, a family is It has been seen that there are still are going to be the same. It is an fight for their self-individuality in ago, I read in the news, not Indian, made of a man and a woman, many places in this country where accepted truth that we are not in the the society they are living in. His that two girls got assaulted /beaten not a woman and a woman, or a people don’t even know what clan and never going to be.” character particularly has brought up only because they refused to kiss man and a man.” Reverand Paul LGBTQ stands for. Some family Popular TV shows like Satyamev out the dreadful pains of gay and in front of a man. And that happened Swaroop of the Cathedral Church members think that if one of their Jayate have helped raise awareness lesbian individuals’ daily tussle of in a seemingly accepting country. of Redemption in Delhi stated family members is gay, then he is among parents about LGBTQ living dual lives and their constant So, I think the decriminalisation is his views by saying, “Spiritually, not allowed to be part of the family. struggles by bringing different wait for the right moment for being only a baby step to support the fight human sexual relations are Even in present time, transgenders people from the community to the able to talk about the issue. of the people from the community.” identified as those shared by a man find it difficult to be accepted in the show, who shared their experiences To take religious views in and a woman.” Rabbi Ezekiel Issac society. on the platform. context to highlight the struggles, Malekar, the honorary secretary Laxmi (a trans) who is frequently “Made In Heaven,” the popular *Name has been changed to protect Om Prakash Singhal, the Vice of Judah Hyan Synagogue quoted, seen begging in the Richmond hindi series on Amazon Prime the identity of the individual.*

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