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Kerala Makes History With New Transgender Policy
In a very progressive move towards ensuring equality for all its citizens, the government of the Indian State of Kerala unveiled the "State Policy for Transgenders in Kerala 2015" on Thursday.
Issued by the Department of Social Justice, the policy aims to reduce the stigma against a traditionally marginalized group that is often forced into begging and prostitution due to severe social prejudice.
Transgender people face severe social stigma and little access to jobs or education in India.
Photo Credit: The New Indian Express
The document ensures the provision of equal opportunities and protections. It covers all people on the transgender spectrum and emphasizes the right to self-identify their gender.
Further, the policy outlines four basic rights:
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the right to equality
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the right to dignity and a life without violence
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the right to freedom of expression
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the right to equal participation in development
This is the first time an Indian state has framed an official policy for the minority transgender population, and the move comes on the heels of an education scholarship for transgender students announced in September. As part of the new initiative, the Kerala government hopes to introduce an additional gender column for people who identify as transgender on government forms in the near future.
The policy also recommends the establishment of a Transgender Justice Board to monitor and oversee its implementation, The Indian New Express reports. Further, the Department of Social Justice is to evaluate this implementation after three years, in 2018.
Students in Mangalore stage a protest against the Indian Supreme Court verdict reinstating section 377 of the IPl in 2013.
Photo Credit: Tulunadu News
The new policy is an encouraging development after the LGBTQ movement in India suffered a massive setback when homosexuality was re-criminalized under section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in 2013. NDTV reports that, according to Minister for Social Welfare M.K. Muneer, official state-ensured rights and freedoms are also likely to pave the way to greater social acceptance, education and employment.
Article Sources: The New Indian Express, NDTV, DNA
Main Image Photo Credit: Livelaw.in
Dilshad Burman
Author
Dilshad Burman is an award winning TV host and Canadian media personality. Born in Mumbai, India, she was surrounded by its creative energy and grew up with a passion for music, film and television. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from The University of Mumbai, she i...
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