Asserting its space in the society, the LGBT (lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, also known as "sexual minority" has come out with a manual specifying how it wants to be addressed, particularly by the media.
The manual, called Sanchar Media Guide, has been described as a recommended language manual for improved reporting on sexual minorities.
The manual, which was launched on Tuesday, discusses a glossary of terms in connection with LGBT community wherein 24 terms like queer, rainbow flag, MSM and 'closeted frequently' used in connection with the community have been defined.
"There is a gap, especially in the regional language media, pertaining to not just an understanding of basic terms and terminologies but also the issues involved, how they may be applied. As we observed in our research, in either direct or indirect way, personal opinion of media personnel mars objectivity of the reporting," said Alpana Dange, consultant to NGO Humsafar Trust, which took the initiative of compiling the manual along with NGO Pehchaan.
The guide also has sections on 'learn about transgender people, terms to avoid while reporting on LGBT, common myths about LGBT people etc. It also gives contact details of 'spokespersons' for the community from almost all over the country to ensure the right person is contacted for comments in case any issue related to the community arises. This, however, is just the first edition of the manual and a revised version is expected next year based on its response.
The manual aims at eradicating myths like homosexuality is against Indian culture or is unnatural or is responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS. It also objects to any kind of association of homosexuals with child sexual abuse.The manual has reportedly been prepared after studying hundreds of media reports on the LGBT community.
Victims of misinformation
Gay people are paedophiles, sexual predators.
Homosexuality is situational: Whenever there is a shortage of women combined with an all-male setting, such as hostels, military barracks and shared dwellings, men have sex with each other.
Gay men are feminine and lesbian women are like men.
LGBT people are demanding special rights.
