Rainbow Guru: Why don’t we see politicians in India fight for equality?

Hello Rani/Sush. I am Siddharth from Canada. I was born in Bangalore, but now I work here. I saw your pictures with our Prime Minister, and you both looked so happy.  He has been such a strong advocate of equal rights and LGBTQ community. Why don’t we see politicians in India fight for equality? Why don’t you enter politics and show how it is done? I think the community needs representation in politics. 

Namaskarrrr!!  

Thanks a lot Siddharth from Canada. I just love when my readers take the liberty and call me Sush!! 

Oh yes. I met with Prime Minister Trudeau and I almost gagged and fainted. It was such a surreal moment for me, not only because he’s extremely articulate, intelligent and compassionate but he’s also so stunningly gorgeous. I have never fanboyed like that before. The best part was that he was so sweet and told me that he supports equality for all and was very proud that I was representing the LGBT community in international circle. He also said I should definitely visit his country and I was like, “Is this really happening?!”  He is the epitome of amazingness (not sure if that’s even a word but he’s all sorts of amazing). 

I still think that a lot of politicians in India see people and communities as vote banks. There are few politicians who do good for the society and are great at what they do. In any political party there will always be people who stand for a certain cause and people who are against it. Even in the ruling party, as is seen, there are people who support equal rights of LGBT community, but there are others who believe there are more important things to work on than LGBT community (which constitutes about 3 per cent or more of the total population in India) getting equal rights to live as dignified citizens. 

Also, just so you know, there are a lot of transgender women who hold posts of political and social importance. There are transwomen who are heads of schools, actresses, even politicians. There are some who are on the board of the United Nation as well. In fact, other members of the community too have forayed into various important fields that positively affect the mindset of the masses. 

There are gay businessmen and businesswomen who are fighting for the rights of the community.  There are also straight allies of the community who are supportive and are helping to change the mindset of the people who have been conditioned to diss the minority on grounds that don’t even make sense. 

We are getting there one step at a time and get there we shall. 

I think it’s a great idea for me to get into politics! You have made me seriously consider this.  I must thank you. 

Sending you good vibes from back home in India.

(Psychologist and performer, Mr Gay World India 2014 Sushant Divgikar is your counsellor, guide and conscience through the choppy waters of sexuality)

SPEAK UP

Write to him at sexualitydna@gmail.com