Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons have historically faced and continue to face discrimination and violence around the world. According to 2011 census, almost six lakh transgender people live in India.
Issues
• Social discrimination, deprivation of liberty, lack of employment and educational opportunities, limited access to health care etc.
• Forced or bonded labour, denial of use of a public place, denial of residence in household, village
• Physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse
• They live under constant fear and psychological stress
Schemes
SWEEKRUTI
“SWEEKRUTI” is an umbrella scheme launched by Odisha Government which is to be operated in a mission mode with manifold objectives. To ensure equitable justice for transgender persons
Initiatives by Government/Judiciary to Promote Interests of LGBT Community in India
• The Supreme Court in NALSA case recognised transgender as a legal third gender and called on the government to ensure their equal treatment.
• Odisha became the first state to give transgender people social welfare benefits – such as a pension, housing and food grains – usually allocated for only the most impoverished.
Constitutional provisions
The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals and implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all including Transgender persons (Articles 14, 15(1), 15(2), 16(2), 19(1), 21 and 41).
Laws Related to LGBT
• Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016
