Gay activists seek firm pledge from parties

An election means a lot of hard work for those championing the rights of gays, lesbians and transsexuals. For, this is the time they can persuade political parties to include sexual minority issues in their campaigns.

Earlier, such activists and groups would support political parties on a promise that their cause will be taken up, but that would never happen. This time these groups want solid commitment: a campaign programme that calls for supporting their cause or legalising their rights through legislative measures.

According to the country director of Solidarity and Action Against HIV Infection (SAATHI), Pawan Dhall, previous attempts to have parties include sexual minority issues in their manifestos failed. “Though most of them assured us our issues will be taken up, they forgot their commitment,” said Dhall. “Many leaders support our cause on a personal level but hesitate to take it up in a legislative forum. We want more leaders like Anbumani Ramadoss, Kapil Sibal or Brinda Karat to demand that homosexuality be legalised in our country,” he added.

Anindya Hazra of Pratyay Gender Trust, a Kolkata-based LGBT rights groups said they have received positive feelers. “We have received positive commitment from certain political factions but I do not want to share details now,” Hazra said. “I believe the movement cannot be successful if the sexuality issue is viewed in isolation.”

Jayita Sarkar of lesbian rights group Sappho said the movement can gain momentum if parties share a common agenda. “We do not need any one party to endorse the sexual minority movement —- a Ramadoss a Karat or a Sibal from each party will do. That will be the first step towards victory,” said Sarkar.