The LGBTQH (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Hijra) community in the city has come together to form a reference manual for advocacy of equal rights, which is called the Mission Azaadi Document& (MAD).
A one of its kind advocacy manual is being launched on Valentine's Day. The LGBTQH (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Hijra) community in the city has come together to form a reference manual for advocacy of equal rights, which is called the 'Mission Azaadi Document' (MAD). The collective of various NGOs, community-based organisations (CBOs) and individuals from the community have helped form the document.
According to its introduction, 'this advocacy reference manual aims to chalk out the kinds of strategies necessary to garner support from the Indian government, members of parliament (MPs), international bodies, the judicial system, and a host of other stakeholders at local, national, and international scales. It is framed by the following overarching goal: Sexual minorities attain equality, freedom, & right to live with dignity in India.'
Pallav Patankar, director, programs at Humsafar Trust, said that after the December 2013 verdict of the supreme court that overthrew the landmark Delhi high court verdict of decriminalising homosexuality, the entire community was in shock. "We had discussion over various quarters as to what have we done wrong, where are we lacking in our movement?," he asked, adding that the highlight was to be more politically involved.
The community wants the elected representatives to address their issues, Patankar stated, adding: "But how will they, when they are not ready to talk about it? A one pronged approach to the courts is narrow. We need to address our movement on all levels and this manual will help us strategise, choose specific objectives and do activities around them which will add to the bigger goal of repealing sec 377 and having equal rights."
The date chosen to launch the book is February 14, Valentine's Day. "We chose this day because we are a long way from expressing our love openly, without stigma or judgement. Who I love and how I love should not be judged," he said.
Alpana Dange, a social research consultant, has helped with the logical framework analysis of the manual. "It is aimed at combining forces towards one objective. You can reach out to the larger goal through the objectives, strategies and the activities listed under it. It gives you a strategic guidance about activities that you think appeal to you and your community vision. You can take a component and implement it anywhere in the area you belong to," she said.
The manual is an open source document and is available for free download at LGBTQH websites.
Objectives listed in the manual
To engage the judiciary towards legal protection of LGBTQH community and the repeal of IPC Section 377
To advocate and lobby with legislators for enacting LGBTQH friendly legislations
To build initiatives that will create enabling environments for LGBTQH persons in India
To engage LGBTQH individuals, their supporters and CBOs for building communities and sense of community ownership
To engage international allies to address human rights issues of LGBTQH
To draft anti-discriminatory workplace policy for LGBTQH
To support the advocacy strategy with a plan for sustainability and resource mobilization strategy.
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