International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) is celebrated around the world each year to bring attention to the discrimination and violence LGBTQ people still face, as well as to recognize advancements in LGBTQ equality.

At least 75 countries criminalize same-sex relationships and in up to 10 countries same-sex conduct may be punishable by death. Ahead of this year’s celebration, Indian television celebrities stand in solidarity against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and all forms of hate facing the LGBTQ community across the globe.

Pearl V Puri: I stand and support the third gender. There should be no discriminations. As it’s not about two same gender people being in love, it’s about two people who love each other and who have decided to commit to each other for the exact same reasons any other couple would get married.

Avika Gor: Like being a woman, like being a racial religious tribal or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are gay rights. I dont believe in such discriminations. I feel even they have right to live like us and with us.

Ritvik Arora: I think with widespread awareness, exposure through the internet and a radical movement towards a more transparent society have helped people to know and respect genders other than male and female. However, a complete and absolute respect and honour on an individual level is still absent. People need to understand that sexuality of a person has nothing to do with their character. No doubt there has been advancement with people now becoming more confident and particular about their sexuality, however our society needs to be more sensitive, cooperative and conducive towards people with different sexual orientation.

Tejasswi Prakash: Those same sex couples who do have difficulties with their sexuality suffer them because of the prejudice and discrimination they face. The way to change that is to tackle the prejudice and discrimination, not to feed it. I firmly believe there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, the problem lies in society’s attitude to it.

Nikhil Khurana: I always encourage people to be themselves and the only way we can do it is by accepting others as who they are. We need to be a non-judgemental person and build a society free from discrimination and hate. Every individual should be allowed to live a life of choice, not the one society wants. Judge no one and hence it will easier for you to be yourself.

Sara Khan: We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity. I believe nothing is out of nature, its natural to fall in love with the person you really enjoy and like, be it with a prince or princess. I support love, not the hate which society keeps for third genders.

Adnan Khan: I don’t believe in discrimination against a group of people. I feel its wrong. It doesn’t matter what you think about somebody, if a group of people wants to live with certain things, that’s their right to do so and discrimination among them is terrible because you are getting involved with somebody’s else life when they haven’t ask you to. I feel everyone has equal rights to live a life of their own.

Alisha Panwar: I actually hate the word homophobia. It’s not a phobia. You’re not scared. Being LGBT is very much natural. Hating them is a lifestyle choice. And I don’t stand with those choices which are not meaningful but painful. Every individual person has right to live a life they want to. Loving someone is really not a crime.

Aly Goni: Its high time to stand together with LGBT and allow them to live a peaceful life just like us and enjoy their relationships and choices of life, exactly the way we do. Nothing is wrong, as we say love is blind, also love is beautiful.

Roshni Sahota: If you’re not sure how beautiful is same-sex marriage, go and meet some of the families and see what they’re looking for. Once you take it out of the caricature of what same-gender marriages are, and put it in the reality of family and what these folks are fighting for, it’s really amazing. I stand with them, they own every right just like us.

Abhishek Sharma: Everyone has the right to love and be loved, and that’s the position I take. I stand with LGBT community and urge the same lifestyle for them, the one we enjoy. They are not meant to face discrimination or hate.

Mahika Sharma: To be truly independent and developed nation we need to accept and allow comfort living to third gender members of our society. There is nothing wrong with being an LGBT, but the only sad thing about being is how some people treat you when they find out about you. But the fact is nothing is wrong with you, but everything is wrong about those people who cant welcome the beautiful relationships.

Kunal Jaisingh: People should be allowed to marry, and same-gender marriages should be out there. If a man or a woman has a good partner and they love each other with their heart and soul, let them marry. I am very much in support to welcome a society where all the three genders’ lives equally without any discrimination or hate.

Arshi Khan: I think there is a generation gap. I personally look forward to, as our generation becomes the leaders, you are gonna see a change, and I think hopefully same-gender marriage will be a part of that country. The third community will enjoy each right just like us.

Additi Gupta: A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist and where everyone can be themselves. The change I want to see is a start-up environment where everyone, regardless of gender and background, feels welcome and safe; where sexual harassment or discrimination will not impede great talent from producing a great impact.

(Disclaimer: Content provided by PR)

The State government will make policies to bring sexual and gender minorities to the mainstream, Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran has said.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the two-day first anniversary celebration of Queerythym, which works in the city for the welfare of the LGBTIQ community, and on the occasion of International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) here on Saturday.

 Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran and State Literacy Mission Authority Director P.S. Sreekala with Transgender Cell State Project Officer Shyama S. Prabha at the inaugural ceremony of the first anniversary of Queerythm in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.   | Photo Credit: S. GOPAKUMAR

Mr. Surendran said Kerala has been a model for the rest of the country in many aspects, and should lead the way in empowerment of sexual and gender minorities. The State recently witnessed a marriage between a transman and a transwoman. The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) had set up a continuous education programme for transgenders. The government had recommended setting up a cooperative society for transgenders. It was also making efforts to identify new job avenues for the transgender people.

Denied basic rights

KSLMA Director P.S. Sreekala said globally, LGBTIQ community was denied basic human rights, and faced abuse, violence, and even death. In Kerala, the sexual minorities had gained some attention from the government only recently. They had mostly remained invisible and neglected. Though the people in the State were educated, they lack social awareness. A concerted effort was needed to create awareness against the ills happening in the name of morality, she said. The government should intervene to ensure their welfare.

Murugesan Sivasubramanian, Project Director, MSA DIVA, emphasised the need for the organisation workings with the LGBTIQ community to not only work outside the community, but also engage with those in the community to strengthen the volunteer base in order to be heard well.

Ashok Row Kavi, chairperson, The Humsafar Trust, who delivered the keynote address, said many legislatures in the country were not as progressive as that in the State. “Seven legislatures in India have banned sex education in schools. We are fighting not only heteronormativity but also a regressive patriarchal system.”

He called for removing the stigma associated with sexual minorities, adding that in many countries the level of homophobia was rising.

Prijith P.K., president of Queerythm, spoke.

The Humsafar Trust (HST) with support from Save the Children had collaborated with 6 regional partners to implement IDAHOT activities.

Trivandrum

The IDAHOT event was organised by Thiruvananthapuram-based LGBTQ group Queerythm, in collaboration with Mumbai-based The Humsafar Trust and supported by Project MSA. On first day (May 12, 2018) of the event Kerala state cooperation and tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran inaugurated a two-day event to celebrate International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia at VJT Hall in Thiruvananthapuram. The two-day celebrations on May 12-13, 2018 included Q-talk, Q-debate, Queer Movie screening, Cultural Competitions and a cultural event named NEEV with LGBTQ community

In the closing ceremony of the event we had guest of honour Mr. M Jayarajan who is personal secretary to Chief Minister of Kerala. Queerythm also confer Media Excellence award and Queer Persona award at the closing ceremony of the event on Sunday

Media Coverage:

1. The Hindu: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-policies-for-sexual-minorities/article23867960.ece
2. The Hindu: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/lgbtiq-community-resents-societys-ostracism/article23877825.ece
3. Times of India: http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/may/14/our-biggest-achievement-is-that-we-are-alive-ashok-row-ravi-1814266.html

Delhi

“Sweekar – Towards LGBTQ Acceptance”

The event was organised by The Humsafar Trust in collaboration with Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS). The event was named as “Sweekar” (Acceptance). The objective of the event was to disseminate the right privacy judgement among the TI NGO/CBO working in Delhi. The event also included of film screening and discussion on section 377 and current status of TG bill in parliament by legal experts. The objective of activity was to help the MSM TG TI partners to enhance their knowledge and address the crisis issues.

During the session following topics were discussed –

• IDAHOT and its importance
• Right to Privacy judgement
• Current update on sec 377
• Film Screening ( HIV Prevention, Drug use, PLHIV Discrimination)
• Discussion on TG Bill

Kolhapur

“Rising with Pride – Empowering the LGBTQ”

On May 19, 2018 Abhimaan- LGBTQ Support group had organised an IDAHOT (Rising with Pride – Empowering the LGBTQ) event addressing the issues of homophobia, transphobia, stigma around HIV AIDS and family acceptance in support of Project MSA and The Humsafar Trust. The event was organized at the Hotel Citrus in Kolhapur where 25 participants from the community and allies of the community participated.

The event started with the welcome address by Vishal Pinjani, Founder member of Abhimaan. Further Murugeshan gave brief introduction to the IDAHOT and its importance of community mobilisation and need of advocacy with stakeholders.

This was followed by films screening on the themes of HIV prevention, Drug use and PLHIV discrimination and panel discussion where Murugeshan and Tinesh Chopade disucssd of mental health concerns of community and answered the questions from the forum. The discussion was moderated by the Vishal Pinjani. The event evening was informative and addressed the issues of homophobia, transphobia, stigma around HIV and AIDS and family acceptance.

At the end of the session, family member of the community people who participated in the event were felicitated by the Humsafar Trust and celebrate the family acceptance. The coming out stories were shared and individuals were felicitated for their courage.

Online campaign launched

Over 50% of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and others) community in India has reported being harassed or bullied online. On May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Delta app, an LGBTnetworking app, launched a campaign #StrongestTogether with a video to encourage the community to stand against online harassment.

Lucknow

Celebrating the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the highlight of the event was a fashion show in which members of the LGBTIQ community walked the ramp showcasing designer outfits, followed by a cultural programme in which several plays and stage performances were presented.

(L) Abeer Shukla (R) Anu with a friend (BCCL/ A)

 Diplomatic missions take a stand

Mumbai

Working with Pride, an LGBT group focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within companies organised a Meetup in Mumbai

 Maharashtra

GAURAV is community based organisation working for promotion, protection and enhancement of health and rights of community members since 2010 in Maharashtra, India.

Like every year, GAURAV organisation is once again celebrating annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) celebration on May 17, 2018 through various activities with global theme of “Alliance for Solidarity”.

Organisation is doing following activities on IDAHOT 2018 in order to create awareness in the society.

1. Awareness Booth
2. Freeze Mob
3. Photo Exhibition
4. Social Media campaign

Do Share and Participate in this initiative.

#IDAHOT2018 #AlliancesforSolidarity #GAURAVCBO

Lucknow

From Youthklawaaz.com

On May 17, observed worldwide as International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), members of the LGBTQ community in Bhopal, along with allies, held the city’s first ever Pride Parade.

Organised by Citizens Action Network, Bhopal the parade was the culmination of several events that began on May 13, including an arts exhibition, poetry sessions, and a talk by gay-rights activist Harish Iyer. The parade itself began at 5pm from Van Vihar Gate, ending 2 km away at Hotel Lakeview Ranjit, where noted trans activist Kalki Subramaniam addressed the gathering.

The folks from the Bhopal Pride’s organising committee shared photos of the event with Youth Ki Awaaz. So if you’re in the mood for some rainbow love and solidarity, scroll on!

Bhopal has joined Lucknow as a first-timer doing Pride Parades. It’s an encouraging feeling to see the LGBTQ community coming out on the streets in more and more Indian cities. And we hope it only gets bigger from here on!

Reports from First Pride in Lucknow:

Throughout May LGBT health group the Humsafar Trust ran a special project focused on addressing mental health stigma surrounding LGBT people in India. The ‘Queers Against Quacks’ project targeted health practitioners, academics and policy makers promoting pseudoscience and discriminatory practices. The campaign also hoped to raise awareness of stigma, discrimination and damaging practices like so-called ‘conversion therapies’ that exist in India.

By ‘naming and shaming’ damaging practices the group have also hoped their campaign will foster a public discourse over mental health and wellbeing within the LGBT community.

Also on a national scale a coalition of Indian campaigns, Feminism in India, GaysiFamily, Gaylaxy and Orinam, joined for a Tweet-chat on May 17, in which they encouraged public discourse and helped dispel a number of damaging attitudes and opinions through questions and discussion.

The chat specifically focused on such issues as prevention of and crisis response to violence arising from LGBTIQ*-phobias, tackling intra-community phobias and prejudice, goals of India’s queer movements, allyship, peer education, and solidarity with other social justice movements in the country.

Pro-LGBT group Love4All addressed homo/trans/biphobia across the country with a special cartoon released for IDAHOT 2016. The video, ‘Let’s Fight Homophobia’, discusses various discrimination faced by the LGBT community, and how damaging perceptions can lead to marginalisation.

In Hyperabad, local LGBT activists held an event to promote diversity and tolerance in local community, which also hoped to highlight some of the issues faced by LGBT Indians.

In Maharashta, GAURAV (Greater Action for Unity Rights Advocacy and Visibility) launched an online campaign focusing on men who have sex with men, and transgender/LGB sex workers. The campaign included the provision of training on sex-related issues, as well as a photography and social media campaign aimed at raising awareness of various issues. The group also planned street performances and public campaigns in Mumbai aimed at tackling discriminatory attitudes towards the LGBT community.

In Hyperabad, local LGBT activists will hold an event at the cultural centre Lamakaan. The event will promote diversity and tolerance in local community and also hopes to highlight some of the issues faced by LGBT Indians.

Also to mark IDAHOT 2016, four groups,  Feminism in India, GaysiFamily, Gaylaxy and Orinam, will be co-facilitating a Tweet-chat on May 17, 2016, beginning 12 pm (IST).

The chat will focus on such issues as prevention of and crisis response to violence arising from LGBTIQ*-phobias, tackling intra-community phobias and prejudice, goals of India’s queer movements, allyship, peer education, and solidarity with other social justice movements in the country. Follow the conversation online with the hashtag #IDAHOBIT2016.

The GAURAV (Greater Action for Unity Rights Advocacy and Visibility) is working for health and rights for Male having sex with Male (MSM), Male Sex Worker (MSW) and Transgender (TG) in Maharashtra, India since 2012, has announced few events like online campaign, Local train campaign and street play for celebrating International day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) 2016. Online campaign will include photos from LGBTQ community members and supporters wearing white t-shirt with any message to speak out against homophobia and Transphobia for IDAHOT 2016 on page, uploaded on Facebook and tagging GAURAV organization or can send picture on GAURAV mail ID. Same will be uploaded on social media. And also to address Homophobia and Transphobia to general populations, Street play and campaign in Mumbai local trains are planned.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008117740825&fref=ts

Harmless hugs organised New Delhi’s first ever “Queer Flash-mob” in June 2015

Shashank shares insider info on the event

Where/how did the idea originate (your own idea, an idea seen in another place ? was there a lot of dispute around this idea inside the groups) ?

Actually few months back Harmless Hugs hosted a unique event called Queer Hugs where member of Harmless Hugs walked through the streets of the Business District of Delhi, Connaught place, with the placards “I am queer will you hug me?” We got an amazing response from the people who hugged us and supported the freedom of expression and LGBT rights. After the event was over we were happy and all of a sudden the impulse of hosting a queer flash mob came into picture. Hence we decided to host the first-ever “Queer Flash-mob” in Delhi. The idea of hosting the flash mob was inspired by queer flash mobs that were conducted in Mumbai over the past few years. Hence we thought of having such a flash mob in Delhi too.

What were the main expectations in terms of outcomes (media attention, public attendance, academic interest?

The expectation of the event was primarily associated with marking the presence of the queer community in India. India is a conservative society and the old Victorian law section 377 considers homosexual intercourse as a criminal offence in India. As a result many people live in the closet. Hence the members of Harmless Hugs decided to do something which is spectacular and could bring the smile on the faces of people and connect with the general public. The video of flash mob quickly went viral on Youtube and we hope this will inspire others to do similar initiatives.

Soon after we were done with the flash mob we distributed parchas (pamphlets) which conveyed the message to general public about the rights of the LGBT people. We got a great support from the people who supported the initiative and we are quite positive it contributed to develop an understanding attitude towards the LGBT community.

What were the risks/threats involved and how did you mitigate them (counter demonstrations, police harassment, media indifference, etc.)?

The task of hosting the flash mob was not easy, over the past three months we faced several challenges such as gathering volunteers, then building resources such as finding a choreographer, looking for a studio, gathering funds and getting permission from authorities to do the flash mob in Connaught Place.

Though over the period of three months we were able to get everything done, we had to face a major setback from Delhi Police who refused to give us permission to host the flash mob just two days before the event, despite previous assurance. After hours of requesting they decided to give us permission but with the change in timing. Hence we had to change the timings of the event and had to conduct it in the early morning instead of evening.

One thing I would like to highlight is the overwhelming support from Aam Admi Party which helped us in hosting the event effectively and also provided support from their flash mob team called “Dance for Democracy”.

How did you get it done ? How much time did it take ? how much did it cost ? how many people did it involved ?

The first task for the flash mob was to call for volunteers who would be comfortable with being visible on video. Thus we invited application from volunteers in the Harmless Hugs Facebook group and page. Soon we got a good number of applicants who wanted to be a part of it. It took us around 3 months of practice to finally host the event.

What advice would you give to other people who’d like to undertake this activity ?

Well the only advice that I would like to give the people is to have the courage and work as a community. The battle is a long road. There is a greater need for developing an understanding among the members of the queer community to be supportive towards each other.

MUMBAI | BENGALURU: Towards the end of 2015, Shashi Tharoor did his bit with an unsuccessful Bill in the Lok Sabha to decriminalise gay sex. Earlier, in an unrelated event, Arun Jaitley publicly said the Supreme Court should “reconsider” its 2013 decision which upheld an 1860 law criminalising gay sex. But it is not politicians or ministers, but India Inc which is likely to emerge the biggest and most effective flagbearer of gay rights in 2016.
Despite the present criminal status of gay sex, a handful of firms such as Godrej, Genpact, Intuit, ThoughtWorks, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Google, etc, is openly championing LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender) rights.

In October, Radhika Piramal, managing director, VIP Industries, spoke openly about her gay sexual journey. Hosting her, and giving her a platform to speak, was the Godrej India Culture Lab.

“Over the past few years our clearly articulated focus on LGBT issues has been incredibly useful to all employees,” says Parmesh Shahani, who heads Godrej India Culture Lab. “It has not only enabled more people from the LGBT community to come out, but has done great work for employer branding because young India wants to work for companies that are plural and celebrates them for who they are,” adds Shahani, who is out as gay.

Others such as Genpact work proactively to create a safe and inclusive working environment for those from the LGBT community, not just within company premises but outside too. “We actively participate in events — like the recent LGBT career fair in London — to build this diverse talent pool,” says Sasha Sanyal, senior vice-president (corporate strategy & initiatives), Genpact.

“We would be delighted if something similar was organised in India as well and would be amongst the first to get involved.” On May 17, the international day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Nisaba Godrej, executive director of Godrej Consumer Products, sent out an email to all employees.

The Humasafar Trust (HST) are a community based group of self-identified gay men, MSM, transgender, Hijras and LBT individuals based in Mumbai. This year the group worked together with their youth initiative, Yaariyan, to create special events  which looked at some of the issues facing young LGBTI people.

Members of the group performed the play ‘Jiyo Aur Jeene do’ in four different locations on the street.

Ahead of IDAHOT, Yaariyan launched an online campaign, a ‘Say it with a Smash’ contest. They asked their followers to:

Download the ‘Dubsmash’ app, find a clip that says exactly what you want to say to the homophobes/transphobes (We’d suggest Fuck you by Lily Allen, but let’s get more creative).
Upload your dubsmash to your Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram account and mark our IDs on it.

The coolest dubsmashers will win free passes to KASHISH 2015, south Asia’s biggest queer film festival. We will also release a video with all the cool videos we get tagged on.

Find out more about the organisers here.

You can also watch a flashmob held by the group earlier this year here. As well as one of their 2014 efforts here.

Techfest at IIT Bombay, in collaboration with Saathi IIT (an LGBTQ resource group) released a YouTube video titled ‘A hesitant hug’ in which heterosexual students hug their homosexual peers to tell them that they accept them the way they are.

Aaditya Joshi, the director of the video, said that the concept was to ‘combat homophobia with a hug’. “The concept was simple,” he said. “Straight people hug their queer colleagues and are okay with it. It was our way to tell people in non-IIT colleges to respect the queer people they may have with them. Techfest is Asia’s largest science and technology festival, and for the first time, Saathi-IIT has got such a huge support,” he added.

Find the source here.

The team at Gaysi Family used the occasion of IDAHOT to help VIDYA – Vidya Integrated Development for Youth and Adults, a Mumbai based NGO to raise monetary funds for their cause. They managed to raise some funds and posted:

Update : Happy to announce, we managed to raise Rs.5000 from our‪#‎IDAHOT‬ campaign on social media platforms.

They call for participation was as followed: