Nepal has some of South Asia's most progressive laws on homosexuality and transgender rights. In a recently held transgender beauty contest, Anmol Rai, a transwoman, was chosen as Miss Pink Nepal 2024. She will be representing the country now at the Miss International Queen 2024 competition, to be held in Thailand this year. Here are the highlights.

Miss Pink Nepal 2024: Transgender beauty contest

India's first transgender sarpanch is now going to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Her name is Durga Bai Majhwar. She has been loved as a sarpanch or village head since 2014. Will the love turn into votes?

Gravitas: India's first Trans Sarpanch to contest Lok Sabha polls

Gravitas: India's first Trans Sarpanch to contest Lok Sabha poll

<p>Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's daughter, Seraphina Rose has come out as a trans person. At Garner's father's memorial service, they introduced themselves as Fin.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Fin, formerly known as Seraphina, is 15 years old. At their grandfather's memorial service that took place at a church in West Virginia, US - they appeared in a black tuxedo and a buzz cut. While speaking at the service, they introduced themselves as, "Hello, my name is Fin Affleck."<br />
<br />
While Seraphina was spotted with her new haircut earlier this year, this was the time that she introduced herself with her new name in public.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Ben and Jennifer Garner have three kids together - Violet Anne Affleck, 19, Fin, and Samuel Garner Affleck, 12. Ben and Jennifer divorced in 2015 and continue co-parenting their kids. Ben is now married to singer-actress Jennifer Lopez. The couple tied the knot in 2022.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Lopez shares twins - son and daughter - with former husband Marc Anthony. In 2022, Lopez introduced daughter Emme at a public event with they/them pronouns. Emme identifies themselves as non-binary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Jennifer Garner's note for her father</strong><br />
<br />
Jennifer's father William John Garner passed away on April 2 at the age of 85. Jennifer shared the news of her father's death on Instagram.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
William John Garner, who was a chemical engineer for Union Carbide, died over the Easter weekend. The cause of his death was not disclosed.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away — valid question.) While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners. Today is for gratitude,” Jennifer wrote alongside a throwback photo of the father-daughter pair.<br />
<br />
Jennifer said she and her family are grateful for her father's gentle demeanour and quiet strength. “For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all-in, ever patient girl dad. We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith,” she added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's daughter, Seraphina Rose has come out as a trans person. At Garner's father's memorial service, they introduced themselves as Fin.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's daughter, Seraphina Rose has come out as a trans person. At Garner's father's memorial service, they introduced themselves as Fin. Fin, formerly known as Seraphina, is 15 years old. At their grandfather's memorial service that took place at a church in West Virginia, US - they appeared in a black tuxedo and a buzz cut. While speaking at the service, they introduced themselves as, "Hello, my name is Fin Affleck." While Seraphina was spotted with her new haircut earlier this year, this was the time that she introduced herself with her new name in public. Ben and Jennifer Garner have three kids together - Violet Anne Affleck, 19, Fin, and Samuel Garner Affleck, 12. Ben and Jennifer divorced in 2015 and continue co-parenting their kids. Ben is now married to singer-actress Jennifer Lopez. The couple tied the knot in 2022. Lopez shares twins - son and daughter - with former husband Marc Anthony. In 2022, Lopez introduced daughter Emme at a public event with they/them pronouns. Emme identifies themselves as non-binary. Jennifer Garner's note for her father Jennifer's father William John Garner passed away on April 2 at the age of 85. Jennifer shared the news of her father's death on Instagram. William John Garner, who was a chemical engineer for Union Carbide, died over the Easter weekend. The cause of his death was not disclosed. “My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us (did we carry him across or scare him away — valid question.) While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners. Today is for gratitude,” Jennifer wrote alongside a throwback photo of the father-daughter pair. Jennifer said she and her family are grateful for her father's gentle demeanour and quiet strength. “For how he teased with a mischievous smile, and for the way he invented the role of all-in, ever patient girl dad. We are grateful for his work ethic, leadership and faith,” she added.

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner's daughter comes out as trans at grandfather's memorial service

<p>Transgender women have been banned from competing in women's international competitions, the World Netball (WN) announced on Monday (Apr 8) under its new participation and inclusion policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The governing body of what is traditionally a women's sport, went&nbsp;through a lengthy consultation process before issuing the policy that ensures "fairness and safety".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following detailed review of the science and consultation with experts and members, it has determined that international level women's netball is a gender affected activity and that a policy is required (to) ensure fairness and safety at this level of our sport," World Netball said in a statement.</p>

<p>Post the policy change, women's netball at the elite level will now be restricted to players who have recorded "female at birth" irrespective of gender identity. Additionally, only those transgender athletes&nbsp;will be allowed who can prove to World Netball's satisfaction that "they have not experienced the biological effects of testosterone at any time".</p>

<p>"World Netball believes that the research on which it has relied is robust, it comprises many research studies, all of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals and come from multiple distinct research groups around the world," added the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Other sports to ban transgenders&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, World Netball is not the only body in recent years to have tightened the rules to disallow transgender women from competing in women's sports. In 2022, swimming's world governing body FINA voted to stop transgender athletes from competing in the women's elite events, if they had undergone any part of the process of male puberty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision as per AFP came after a scientific panel found that in spite of reducing testosterone levels via medication, trans women still wielded a significant advantage over female athletes.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-athletics-bans-transgender-women-from-competing-in-female-sporting-events-575130"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World Athletics bans transgender women from competing in female sporting events</strong></a></p>

<p>Similarly last year,&nbsp;World Athletics (WA), the international governing body for the sport of athletics banned&nbsp;transgender athletes from participating in "elite female events."</p>

<p>As per Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, the decision to exclude transgender women who had experienced male puberty was reached to meet the "overarching need to protect the female category."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Transgender women have been banned from competing in women's international competitions, the World Netball (WN) announced on Monday (Apr 8) under its new participation and inclusion policy.

Transgender women have been banned from competing in women's international competitions, the World Netball (WN) announced on Monday (Apr 8) under its new participation and inclusion policy. The governing body of what is traditionally a women's sport, went through a lengthy consultation process before issuing the policy that ensures "fairness and safety". "Following detailed review of the science and consultation with experts and members, it has determined that international level women's netball is a gender affected activity and that a policy is required (to) ensure fairness and safety at this level of our sport," World Netball said in a statement. Post the policy change, women's netball at the elite level will now be restricted to players who have recorded "female at birth" irrespective of gender identity. Additionally, only those transgender athletes will be allowed who can prove to World Netball's satisfaction that "they have not experienced the biological effects of testosterone at any time". "World Netball believes that the research on which it has relied is robust, it comprises many research studies, all of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals and come from multiple distinct research groups around the world," added the statement. Other sports to ban transgenders Notably, World Netball is not the only body in recent years to have tightened the rules to disallow transgender women from competing in women's sports. In 2022, swimming's world governing body FINA voted to stop transgender athletes from competing in the women's elite events, if they had undergone any part of the process of male puberty. The decision as per AFP came after a scientific panel found that in spite of reducing testosterone levels via medication, trans women still wielded a significant advantage over female athletes. Also read | World Athletics bans transgender women from competing in female sporting events Similarly last year, World Athletics (WA), the international governing body for the sport of athletics banned transgender athletes from participating in "elite female events." As per Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, the decision to exclude transgender women who had experienced male puberty was reached to meet the "overarching need to protect the female category." (With inputs from agencies)

After athletics and swimming, transgender women banned from competing by World Netball

<p>The White House has slammed the Republicans for criticising the proclamation issued by United States President Joe Biden in support of transgender people on Easter and called their comments 'misleading' and 'dishonest'.</p>

<p>The president's spokesperson rejected the comments made by former president Donald Trump, the House speaker and others who called Biden's proclamation "blasphemous" and said that the Transgender Day of Visibility message goes against Christianity.</p>

<p>Speaking to ABC News, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said, "As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-under-fire-for-posting-video-showing-image-of-joe-biden-tied-up-in-the-back-of-truck-706191">Donald Trump under fire for posting video showing image of Joe Biden tied up in the back of truck</a></p>

<p>"Sadly, it's unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit," Bates further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Republicans react to Biden's proclamation for transgenders</strong></h2>

<p>Biden, who is the second Catholic president of the United States, was subjected to a lot of criticism over the weekend after he issued a proclamation on Friday (Mar 29) honouring "the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans" for the Transgender Day of Visibility, which is marked annually on March 31.</p>

<p>The date of Easter, which keeps&nbsp;changing every year, fell on the Transgender Day of Visibility this year.</p>

<p>A statement was also issued by Biden on Sunday marking Easter which said that it "reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection. As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities."</p>

<p>Taking to X, Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday (Mar 30) said that the Biden administration "has betrayed the central tenet of Easter--which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Trump &amp; Biden's new challenger: 'Literally anybody else'</strong></p>

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<p>The speaker further added that the conduct of Biden around Easter was "outrageous and abhorrent," which included him "proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day'," even though the president was actually marking a date which is being celebrated since 2009.</p>

<p>Trump's reelection campaign on Saturday (Mar 30) also slammed the proclamation by Biden as "blasphemous."</p>

<p>"We call on Joe Biden's failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only -- the resurrection of Jesus Christ," said Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The White House has slammed the Republicans for criticising the proclamation issued by United States President Joe Biden in support of transgender people on Easter and called their comments 'misleading' and 'dishonest'.

The White House has slammed the Republicans for criticising the proclamation issued by United States President Joe Biden in support of transgender people on Easter and called their comments 'misleading' and 'dishonest'. The president's spokesperson rejected the comments made by former president Donald Trump, the House speaker and others who called Biden's proclamation "blasphemous" and said that the Transgender Day of Visibility message goes against Christianity. Speaking to ABC News, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said, "As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American." Also Read: Donald Trump under fire for posting video showing image of Joe Biden tied up in the back of truck "Sadly, it's unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit," Bates further said. Republicans react to Biden's proclamation for transgenders Biden, who is the second Catholic president of the United States, was subjected to a lot of criticism over the weekend after he issued a proclamation on Friday (Mar 29) honouring "the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans" for the Transgender Day of Visibility, which is marked annually on March 31. The date of Easter, which keeps changing every year, fell on the Transgender Day of Visibility this year. A statement was also issued by Biden on Sunday marking Easter which said that it "reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection. As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities." Taking to X, Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday (Mar 30) said that the Biden administration "has betrayed the central tenet of Easter--which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Watch: Trump & Biden's new challenger: 'Literally anybody else' The speaker further added that the conduct of Biden around Easter was "outrageous and abhorrent," which included him "proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day'," even though the president was actually marking a date which is being celebrated since 2009. Trump's reelection campaign on Saturday (Mar 30) also slammed the proclamation by Biden as "blasphemous." "We call on Joe Biden's failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only -- the resurrection of Jesus Christ," said Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

White House hits out at Republicans for criticising Biden's transgender proclamation on Easter

<p>Bangladesh in 2013 took a step towards recognising the rights of its transgender women, also referred to as Hijra, by acknowledging them as a third gender. This decision was an important one in the struggle for equality and acceptance for the community in the country.</p>

<p>And now, the South Asian country has opened a mosque specifically for members of the Hijra community near Mymensingh, located north of the capital Dhaka in Bangladesh.</p>

<p>This comes amid challenges faced by the community in Bangladesh, like in many other Muslim-majority societies, because Hijras challenge traditional binary understandings of gender which leads to social stigma.</p>

<p>Led by the 28-year-old community leader, Joyita Tonu, the opening ceremony reportedly spoke on the importance of providing a space free from discrimination.</p>

<p>"From now on, no one can deny a hijra from praying in our mosque," Tonu said while adding,&nbsp;"No one can mock us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>For many transgender individuals, the mosque is now a symbol of a newfound sense of belonging.&nbsp; A 42-year-old Sonia said, "I never dreamt I could pray at a mosque again in my lifetime."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solar-eclipse-2024-faa-issues-travel-warning-as-stargazers-prepare-for-april-8-705573">Solar Eclipse 2024: FAA issues travel warning as stargazers prepare for April 8</a></p>

<p>Founder of a hijra charity Mufti Abdur Rahman Azad told AFP that the new mosque has the status as the first-of-its-kind in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, interpretations of Islamic religious texts by some hardliners view transgender identities as incompatible with&nbsp;Islamic teachings and this in turn leads to rejection and discrimination within the Muslim communities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-halts-work-on-two-projects-in-pakistan-following-suicide-bomb-attack-705523">China halts work on two projects in Pakistan following suicide attack</a></p>

<p>The 65-year-old mosque's imam, Abdul Motaleb, pointed out that the teachings of Islam embrace the community. "They are like any other people created by Allah," he affirmed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-china-firm-suspend-power-project-after-five-engineers-killed-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-attack-704829">Pakistan: China firm suspend power project after five engineers killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attack</a></strong></p>

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<p>"We all are human beings. Maybe some are men, some are women, but all are human. Allah revealed the Holy Koran for all, so everyone has the right to pray, no one can be denied," the imam told AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bangladesh in 2013 took a step towards recognising the rights of its transgender women, also referred to as Hijra, by acknowledging them as a third gender. This decision was an important one in the struggle for equality and acceptance for the community in the country.

Bangladesh in 2013 took a step towards recognising the rights of its transgender women, also referred to as Hijra, by acknowledging them as a third gender. This decision was an important one in the struggle for equality and acceptance for the community in the country. And now, the South Asian country has opened a mosque specifically for members of the Hijra community near Mymensingh, located north of the capital Dhaka in Bangladesh. This comes amid challenges faced by the community in Bangladesh, like in many other Muslim-majority societies, because Hijras challenge traditional binary understandings of gender which leads to social stigma. Led by the 28-year-old community leader, Joyita Tonu, the opening ceremony reportedly spoke on the importance of providing a space free from discrimination. "From now on, no one can deny a hijra from praying in our mosque," Tonu said while adding, "No one can mock us." For many transgender individuals, the mosque is now a symbol of a newfound sense of belonging. A 42-year-old Sonia said, "I never dreamt I could pray at a mosque again in my lifetime." Also Read | Solar Eclipse 2024: FAA issues travel warning as stargazers prepare for April 8 Founder of a hijra charity Mufti Abdur Rahman Azad told AFP that the new mosque has the status as the first-of-its-kind in the country. Notably, interpretations of Islamic religious texts by some hardliners view transgender identities as incompatible with Islamic teachings and this in turn leads to rejection and discrimination within the Muslim communities. Also Read | China halts work on two projects in Pakistan following suicide attack The 65-year-old mosque's imam, Abdul Motaleb, pointed out that the teachings of Islam embrace the community. "They are like any other people created by Allah," he affirmed. Watch | Pakistan: China firm suspend power project after five engineers killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attack × "We all are human beings. Maybe some are men, some are women, but all are human. Allah revealed the Holy Koran for all, so everyone has the right to pray, no one can be denied," the imam told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

A new first-of-its-kind mosque in Bangladesh opens doors for 'Hijra' community

<p>A court in Russia gave orders to place two bar workers in police custody after they were accused of playing important roles in an “extremist organisation” under the country's legislation which criminalises the LGBTQ+ community.</p>

<p>This is the first time such a criminal case has been filed in Russia since the “international LGBT movement” was banned in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The court chose a preventive measure for the art director and administrator of the Pose bar,” said the Orenburg tribunal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the court, the two bar workers will stay in police custody till May 18 and can face an imprisonment of 10 years, if convicted, as per the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the two suspects were accused by the tribunal of “promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the visitors of the bar”.</p>

<p>In March, the bar was raided by law enforcement and the videos which showed the humiliating detentions of some visitors of the bar were shared online.</p>

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<p>“The accused, people of non-traditional sexual orientation, acted in premeditation with a group of people … who also support the views and activities of the international public association LGBT,” said the court, on Telegram.</p>

<p>The “international LGBT movement” has been vaguely described by Russia publicly which paved the path for the court to prosecute anyone who has been protecting LGBTQ+ rights or identifies with the community.</p>

<p>League of the Safe Internet director Ekaterina Mizulin appreciated the criminal proceedings.</p>

<p>“This is the first criminal case in Russia after the decision of the Supreme Court to recognise LGBT as an extremist movement,” Mizulina said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Amnesty calls Russia to stop persecution of LGBTQ community</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the case, Amnesty International said, “What LGBTQ persons and human rights activists have feared since the end of last year has finally come to pass.”</p>

<p>Russian lawmakers in 2013 banned people from promoting “non-traditional” relationships among children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: EU to help Ukraine's defence industry</strong></p>

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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2022 expanded the 2013 law and criminalised any positive mention of LGBTQ+ people or relationships in the public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The medical intervention and administrative procedures which helped people change gender were banned in Russia in July last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supreme Court in November passed the “LGBT movement” ban and several administrative proceedings were carried under it, which resulted in short detentions and fines.</p>

<p>“The international community must call on Russian authorities to review the homophobic supreme court ruling and immediately stop persecution of LGBTI persons," said Amnesty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in Russia gave orders to place two bar workers in police custody after they were accused of playing important roles in an “extremist organisation” under the country's legislation which criminalises the LGBTQ+ community.

A court in Russia gave orders to place two bar workers in police custody after they were accused of playing important roles in an “extremist organisation” under the country's legislation which criminalises the LGBTQ+ community. This is the first time such a criminal case has been filed in Russia since the “international LGBT movement” was banned in November. “The court chose a preventive measure for the art director and administrator of the Pose bar,” said the Orenburg tribunal. As per the court, the two bar workers will stay in police custody till May 18 and can face an imprisonment of 10 years, if convicted, as per the court. Earlier, the two suspects were accused by the tribunal of “promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the visitors of the bar”. In March, the bar was raided by law enforcement and the videos which showed the humiliating detentions of some visitors of the bar were shared online. Also Read: PM Modi invited by Putin, Zelensky for post-election visits “The accused, people of non-traditional sexual orientation, acted in premeditation with a group of people … who also support the views and activities of the international public association LGBT,” said the court, on Telegram. The “international LGBT movement” has been vaguely described by Russia publicly which paved the path for the court to prosecute anyone who has been protecting LGBTQ+ rights or identifies with the community. League of the Safe Internet director Ekaterina Mizulin appreciated the criminal proceedings. “This is the first criminal case in Russia after the decision of the Supreme Court to recognise LGBT as an extremist movement,” Mizulina said. Amnesty calls Russia to stop persecution of LGBTQ community Speaking about the case, Amnesty International said, “What LGBTQ persons and human rights activists have feared since the end of last year has finally come to pass.” Russian lawmakers in 2013 banned people from promoting “non-traditional” relationships among children. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: EU to help Ukraine's defence industry Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2022 expanded the 2013 law and criminalised any positive mention of LGBTQ+ people or relationships in the public. The medical intervention and administrative procedures which helped people change gender were banned in Russia in July last year. The Supreme Court in November passed the “LGBT movement” ban and several administrative proceedings were carried under it, which resulted in short detentions and fines. “The international community must call on Russian authorities to review the homophobic supreme court ruling and immediately stop persecution of LGBTI persons," said Amnesty. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia charges two bar workers under anti-LGBTQ+ law in first such case

<p>In a first-of-its-kind federal trial, a South Carolina man Daqua Lameek Ritter has been found guilty of the murder of a transgender woman Dime Doe, marking the first such conviction in the country for a hate crime based on gender identity. Following several hours of deliberation, jurors convicted Ritter for the hate crime in the killing of the woman back in 2019.</p>

<p>Ritter was also found guilty of obstructing justice and using a firearm in connection with the killing. He now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The sentencing date is yet to be scheduled.</p>

<p>Brook Andrews, the first assistant United States attorney for the District of South Carolina, remarked, “It stands as a testament to our commitment to prosecute these crimes. It also stands as a reminder that Dime’s life mattered. It’s a tremendous result for us and the people in that community.”</p>

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<p>According to court documents, Ritter, a New York City native, had developed a close relationship with Dime while visiting his grandmother in Allendale, South Carolina.</p>

<p>Dime, who grew up in Allendale and worked as a hairdresser, was 24 at the time of her death.</p>

<p>Prosecutors argued that Ritter became enraged after Ms. Doe made their relationship public, leading to mockery from his friends. Witnesses testified that he threatened to harm Dime as a result.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firmness-is-the-rule-france-deports-tunisian-imam-over-radical-remarks-about-french-flag-693636">'Firmness is the rule': France deports Tunisian Imam over 'radical' remarks about French flag</a></p>

<p>The prosecution presented evidence that Ritter lured Dime to a remote area in Allendale and shot her three times in the head before disposing of evidence. He also repeatedly lied to investigators.</p>

<p>Responding to the verdict, one of Ritter’s defence lawyers, Joshua Kendrick, acknowledged their disappointment, highlighting what he perceived as inconsistencies in the government’s case.</p>

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<p>However, he expressed respect for the jury’s decision, stating, “They reached a verdict that we respect, even though we’re disappointed about it.”</p>

<p>While federal officials have prosecuted hate crimes based on gender identity before, this case marks the first murder trial.&nbsp;In 2017, a man from Mississippi accepted a 49-year prison term through a plea agreement after confessing to the murder of a 17-year-old transgender woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a first-of-its-kind federal trial, a South Carolina man Daqua Lameek Ritter has been found guilty of the murder of a transgender woman Dime Doe, marking the first such conviction in the country for a hate crime based on gender identity.

In a first-of-its-kind federal trial, a South Carolina man Daqua Lameek Ritter has been found guilty of the murder of a transgender woman Dime Doe, marking the first such conviction in the country for a hate crime based on gender identity. Following several hours of deliberation, jurors convicted Ritter for the hate crime in the killing of the woman back in 2019. Ritter was also found guilty of obstructing justice and using a firearm in connection with the killing. He now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The sentencing date is yet to be scheduled. Brook Andrews, the first assistant United States attorney for the District of South Carolina, remarked, “It stands as a testament to our commitment to prosecute these crimes. It also stands as a reminder that Dime’s life mattered. It’s a tremendous result for us and the people in that community.” Also Read | Haley calls Trump's comments on Black Americans liking him due to legal woes 'disgusting' According to court documents, Ritter, a New York City native, had developed a close relationship with Dime while visiting his grandmother in Allendale, South Carolina. Dime, who grew up in Allendale and worked as a hairdresser, was 24 at the time of her death. Prosecutors argued that Ritter became enraged after Ms. Doe made their relationship public, leading to mockery from his friends. Witnesses testified that he threatened to harm Dime as a result. Also Read | 'Firmness is the rule': France deports Tunisian Imam over 'radical' remarks about French flag The prosecution presented evidence that Ritter lured Dime to a remote area in Allendale and shot her three times in the head before disposing of evidence. He also repeatedly lied to investigators. Responding to the verdict, one of Ritter’s defence lawyers, Joshua Kendrick, acknowledged their disappointment, highlighting what he perceived as inconsistencies in the government’s case. Watch | American startup turns muscle cars into EVs × However, he expressed respect for the jury’s decision, stating, “They reached a verdict that we respect, even though we’re disappointed about it.” While federal officials have prosecuted hate crimes based on gender identity before, this case marks the first murder trial. In 2017, a man from Mississippi accepted a 49-year prison term through a plea agreement after confessing to the murder of a 17-year-old transgender woman. (With inputs from agencies)

South Carolina man convicted in first-of-its-kind federal trial for killing transgender woman

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, (Feb 7&nbsp;) took&nbsp;a jibe at Labour Party leader Keir Starmer for his&nbsp;stance on gender identity. Sunak joked that the leader of the opposition party could not define what a woman was, as&nbsp;the mother of a murdered transgender attended parliament's&nbsp;question-and-answer session.</p>

<p>Last week, two teenagers were jailed for the murder of Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife.</p>

<p>In an exchange with Labour leader Keir Starmer, who had said Ghey's mother was watching, Sunak said "defining a woman" was on the&nbsp;list of Starmer's broken promises, joking&nbsp;it had been "only 99 per cent of a U-turn".</p>

<p>Sunak&nbsp;said "a man is a man and a woman is a woman" and&nbsp;criticised Starmer, saying he "still does not know what a woman is".</p>

<p>In reply, Starmer said,&nbsp;"Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna's mother is in this chamber. Shame. Parading as a man of integrity when he's got absolutely no responsibility."</p>

<p>Wednesday's jibe appeared to be in reference to a comment from Starmer, when questioned about his views on transgender issues last April, that 99.9 per cent of women "of course haven't got a penis".</p>

<p>Sunak's press secretary said the prime minister had been listing Labour's U-turns and to do so was "totally legitimate". She said she did not accept that it was a transphobic remark.</p>

<p>While a Labour spokeswoman told reporters: "We think the comments from him are deeply offensive to trans people and he should reflect on his response ... and apologise." Ghey's mother was due to meet Starmer after the session.</p>

<p>Sunak did not address Starmer's comment and did not respond to calls from other lawmakers to apologise.</p>

<p>Sky News reported on Wednesday night that the father of the murdered teenager, Peter Spooner, said he was shocked by the prime minister's comments and felt he "should apologise for his remarks".</p>

<p>At the end of the session, Sunak did pay tribute to Ghey's mother, saying: "What happened was an unspeakable and shocking tragedy...</p>

<p>"In the face of that, for her mother to demonstrate the compassion and empathy that she did last weekend, I thought demonstrated the very best of humanity in the face of seeing the very worst of humanity, and she deserves all our admiration and praise for that," said Sunak.</p>


British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, (Feb 7 ) took a jibe at Labour Party leader Keir Starmer for his stance on gender identity. Sunak joked that the leader of the opposition party could not define what a woman was, as the mother of a murdered transgender attended parliament's question-and-answer session.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, (Feb 7 ) took a jibe at Labour Party leader Keir Starmer for his stance on gender identity. Sunak joked that the leader of the opposition party could not define what a woman was, as the mother of a murdered transgender attended parliament's question-and-answer session. Last week, two teenagers were jailed for the murder of Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife. In an exchange with Labour leader Keir Starmer, who had said Ghey's mother was watching, Sunak said "defining a woman" was on the list of Starmer's broken promises, joking it had been "only 99 per cent of a U-turn". Sunak said "a man is a man and a woman is a woman" and criticised Starmer, saying he "still does not know what a woman is". In reply, Starmer said, "Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna's mother is in this chamber. Shame. Parading as a man of integrity when he's got absolutely no responsibility." Wednesday's jibe appeared to be in reference to a comment from Starmer, when questioned about his views on transgender issues last April, that 99.9 per cent of women "of course haven't got a penis". Sunak's press secretary said the prime minister had been listing Labour's U-turns and to do so was "totally legitimate". She said she did not accept that it was a transphobic remark. While a Labour spokeswoman told reporters: "We think the comments from him are deeply offensive to trans people and he should reflect on his response ... and apologise." Ghey's mother was due to meet Starmer after the session. Sunak did not address Starmer's comment and did not respond to calls from other lawmakers to apologise. Sky News reported on Wednesday night that the father of the murdered teenager, Peter Spooner, said he was shocked by the prime minister's comments and felt he "should apologise for his remarks". At the end of the session, Sunak did pay tribute to Ghey's mother, saying: "What happened was an unspeakable and shocking tragedy... "In the face of that, for her mother to demonstrate the compassion and empathy that she did last weekend, I thought demonstrated the very best of humanity in the face of seeing the very worst of humanity, and she deserves all our admiration and praise for that," said Sunak.

Sunak makes controversial transgender remark in Commons amid visit by murdered teen's mother

<p>Two British teenagers, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, received life sentences on Friday (Feb 2)&nbsp;for the shocking knife murder of a 16-year-old transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, in Warrington, northwest England, in 2023. Judge Amanda Yip mandated a minimum of 22 years for Jenkinson and 20 years for Ratcliffe in their respective sentences..</p>

<p>Jenkinson and Ratcliffe, both 16 at the time, committed the shocking crime in February last year, as reported by South China Morning Post. Ghey's body, stabbed 28 times, was discovered by dog walkers in a park, sending shockwaves throughout the country due to the perpetrators' young ages.</p>

<p>Typically, individuals under 18 on trial in the UK are granted anonymity, with media restrictions being lifted only in the event of a conviction in the most serious cases.</p>

<p>However, Judge Amanda Yip decided to reveal Jenkinson and Ratcliffe's identities at the sentencing hearing, emphasising the severity of the crime.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-game-michigan-school-shooters-mother-says-husband-was-responsible-for-storing-gun-686282">Also read |&nbsp;Blame game: Michigan school shooter's mother says husband was responsible for storing gun</a></p>

<h2><strong>Guilty verdict and sentencing considerations</strong></h2>

<p>Following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, a jury of seven men and five women convicted Jenkinson and Ratcliffe after nearly five hours of deliberation.</p>

<p>The judge, Amanda Yip, announced life terms for the convictions, emphasising that the minimum time for release would be determined after considering reports on both defendants.</p>

<p>During the trial, shocking details emerged, revealing how the duo had discussed killing Ghey in the days leading up to her murder.</p>

<p>Jenkinson, referred to as girl X during the trial, had downloaded a browser app allowing her to watch videos of real torture and murder on the "dark web."</p>

<p>The court learned of her interest in serial killers, with notes on their methods and admission of enjoying "dark fantasies" about killing and torture.</p>

<p>Jenkinson and Ratcliffe had drawn up a "kill list" targeting four other youth, until Ghey, who struggled with depression and social anxiety, became the focus of Jenkinson's obsession.</p>

<p>Despite having thousands of TikTok followers, Ghey was described as withdrawn and anxious in person.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK Study: Small, long-nosed dogs live longer</strong></p>

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<p>The deputy chief crown prosecutor, Ursula Doyle, called the case "one of the most distressing," highlighting the unimaginable planning, violence, and the young age of the perpetrators.</p>

<p>“The planning, the violence and the age of the killers is beyond belief,” she noted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two British teenagers, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, received life sentences on Friday (Feb 2) for the shocking knife murder of a 16-year-old transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, in Warrington, northwest England, in 2023.

Two British teenagers, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, received life sentences on Friday (Feb 2) for the shocking knife murder of a 16-year-old transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, in Warrington, northwest England, in 2023. Judge Amanda Yip mandated a minimum of 22 years for Jenkinson and 20 years for Ratcliffe in their respective sentences.. Jenkinson and Ratcliffe, both 16 at the time, committed the shocking crime in February last year, as reported by South China Morning Post. Ghey's body, stabbed 28 times, was discovered by dog walkers in a park, sending shockwaves throughout the country due to the perpetrators' young ages. Typically, individuals under 18 on trial in the UK are granted anonymity, with media restrictions being lifted only in the event of a conviction in the most serious cases. However, Judge Amanda Yip decided to reveal Jenkinson and Ratcliffe's identities at the sentencing hearing, emphasising the severity of the crime. Also read | Blame game: Michigan school shooter's mother says husband was responsible for storing gun Guilty verdict and sentencing considerations Following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, a jury of seven men and five women convicted Jenkinson and Ratcliffe after nearly five hours of deliberation. The judge, Amanda Yip, announced life terms for the convictions, emphasising that the minimum time for release would be determined after considering reports on both defendants. During the trial, shocking details emerged, revealing how the duo had discussed killing Ghey in the days leading up to her murder. Jenkinson, referred to as girl X during the trial, had downloaded a browser app allowing her to watch videos of real torture and murder on the "dark web." The court learned of her interest in serial killers, with notes on their methods and admission of enjoying "dark fantasies" about killing and torture. Jenkinson and Ratcliffe had drawn up a "kill list" targeting four other youth, until Ghey, who struggled with depression and social anxiety, became the focus of Jenkinson's obsession. Despite having thousands of TikTok followers, Ghey was described as withdrawn and anxious in person. Also watch | UK Study: Small, long-nosed dogs live longer The deputy chief crown prosecutor, Ursula Doyle, called the case "one of the most distressing," highlighting the unimaginable planning, violence, and the young age of the perpetrators. “The planning, the violence and the age of the killers is beyond belief,” she noted. (With inputs from agencies)

UK teens sentenced to life in 'frenzied, ferocious' knife killing of transgender girl

<p>A transgender teacher was fired from two private schools in India after school authorities came to know about her sexual orientation. The teacher took the matter to the apex court and the Supreme Court of India has agreed to look into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident came to light on Tuesday and the matter will be listed for hearing after four weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-are-indian-truckers-on-nationwide-strike-what-are-they-protesting-675789">Why are Indian truckers on nationwide strike? What are they protesting?</a></p>

<p>The three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Mishra said on Tuesday that they “will see what they can do”. The three-judge bench has also issued notices to the Centre, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh governments on the pleas of the transgender woman.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Teacher fired over her sexual orientation</strong></h2>

<p>The two incidents took place at private schools in Jamnagar Gujarat and Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, where the services of a transgender teacher were immediately ended when they came to know about her sexuality. The top court also sought responses from the heads of both schools.</p>

<p>"The grievance of the petitioner is that her services were terminated in schools of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat after her gender identity was revealed. The petitioner says that she cannot pursue her remedies in two different high courts," the bench said.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scammers-con-devotees-ahead-of-ram-mandir-consecration-ceremony-vhp-issues-statement-675805">Scammers con devotees ahead of Ram Mandir consecration ceremony; VHP issues statement</a></p>

<p>The transgender teacher was given a letter of appointment in a Uttar Pradesh school and also taught there for six days before being removed, as per the counsel of the teacher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another school in Gujarat, she was given the letter of appointment and later denied the opportunity to join after her sexual identity was known, the lawyer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petitioner is now seeking enforcement of her fundamental rights.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does the law say?</strong></h2>

<p>In 2014, the Supreme Court's verdict in National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India &amp; Ors. recognised the transgender as the third sex.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-valley-witnesses-extreme-cold-wave-conditions-parts-of-dal-lake-frozen-675832">Kashmir Valley witnesses extreme cold wave conditions, parts of Dal Lake frozen</a></p>

<p>The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice KS Radhakrishnan and Justice AK Sikri observed that the nonexistence of law recognising transgender as a third gender could not be identified as a ground to discriminate against them in availing equal opportunities in education and employment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A transgender teacher was fired from two private schools in India after school authorities came to know about her sexual orientation. The teacher took the matter to the apex court and the Supreme Court of India has agreed to look into the matter.

A transgender teacher was fired from two private schools in India after school authorities came to know about her sexual orientation. The teacher took the matter to the apex court and the Supreme Court of India has agreed to look into the matter. The incident came to light on Tuesday and the matter will be listed for hearing after four weeks. Also Read | Why are Indian truckers on nationwide strike? What are they protesting? The three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Mishra said on Tuesday that they “will see what they can do”. The three-judge bench has also issued notices to the Centre, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh governments on the pleas of the transgender woman. Teacher fired over her sexual orientation The two incidents took place at private schools in Jamnagar Gujarat and Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, where the services of a transgender teacher were immediately ended when they came to know about her sexuality. The top court also sought responses from the heads of both schools. "The grievance of the petitioner is that her services were terminated in schools of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat after her gender identity was revealed. The petitioner says that she cannot pursue her remedies in two different high courts," the bench said. Also Read | Scammers con devotees ahead of Ram Mandir consecration ceremony; VHP issues statement The transgender teacher was given a letter of appointment in a Uttar Pradesh school and also taught there for six days before being removed, as per the counsel of the teacher. In another school in Gujarat, she was given the letter of appointment and later denied the opportunity to join after her sexual identity was known, the lawyer said. The petitioner is now seeking enforcement of her fundamental rights. What does the law say? In 2014, the Supreme Court's verdict in National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India & Ors. recognised the transgender as the third sex. Also Read | Kashmir Valley witnesses extreme cold wave conditions, parts of Dal Lake frozen The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice KS Radhakrishnan and Justice AK Sikri observed that the nonexistence of law recognising transgender as a third gender could not be identified as a ground to discriminate against them in availing equal opportunities in education and employment. (With inputs from agencies)

India SC to look into plea of teacher fired by two private schools for being transgender

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>In a shocking incident, a 26-year-old transgender man, formerly known as Pandi Maheswari, was apprehended by the police for the brutal murder of his childhood classmate, R Nandhini, a 25-year-old software engineer from Madurai.</p>

<p>The gruesome act took place on Nandhini's 26th birthday eve in Thalambur, near Kelambakkam, a southern suburb of India's Chennai on Saturday (Dec 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspect, who changed his name to Vetrimaran after undergoing sex change, had blindfolded and chained Nandhini before setting her ablaze under the pretense of surprising her on her birthday.</p>

<p>The victim, who had been residing at her relative's house in Chennai, was caught off guard as she did not suspect Vetrimaran's intentions, believing it to be a birthday surprise.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-202-tigers-544-leopards-died-in-2023-marking-highest-rise-in-decade-673301">India: 202 tigers, 544 leopards died in 2023, marking highest rise in decade</a></p>

<p>Reports said that the two had studied together at a school in Madurai, and despite Vetrimaran's sex change and name alteration, Nandhini continued the friendship on humanitarian grounds.</p>

<p>Both individuals had even worked together in a company in Chennai.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-new-research-station-in-antarctica-by-2029-replacing-very-old-673272">India to replace ‘very old’ Maitri research station in Antarctica by 2029</a></p>

<p>The motive behind the heinous crime unfolded as it was discovered that Vetrimaran, an MBA graduate, had undergone a sex change to marry Nandhini.</p>

<p>The relationship took a dark turn when Nandhini refused to engage romantically with Vetrimaran after the sex change. Despite the fallout, they remained in touch.</p>

<p>On the fateful day, Vetrimaran lured Nandhini, who had recently secured a job in Chennai, into spending time with him. After buying her new clothes, he took her to a deserted spot, where he bound her hands and feet with chains.</p>

<p>Despite Nandhini's pleas, Vetrimaran proceeded to slash her neck and arms with a blade before dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire.</p>

<p>The police acted swiftly, arresting Vetrimaran and remanding him to judicial custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a shocking incident, a 26-year-old transgender man, formerly known as Pandi Maheswari, was apprehended by the police for the brutal murder of his childhood classmate, R Nandhini, a 25-year-old software engineer from Madurai.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a shocking incident, a 26-year-old transgender man, formerly known as Pandi Maheswari, was apprehended by the police for the brutal murder of his childhood classmate, R Nandhini, a 25-year-old software engineer from Madurai. The gruesome act took place on Nandhini's 26th birthday eve in Thalambur, near Kelambakkam, a southern suburb of India's Chennai on Saturday (Dec 23). The suspect, who changed his name to Vetrimaran after undergoing sex change, had blindfolded and chained Nandhini before setting her ablaze under the pretense of surprising her on her birthday. The victim, who had been residing at her relative's house in Chennai, was caught off guard as she did not suspect Vetrimaran's intentions, believing it to be a birthday surprise. Also Read | India: 202 tigers, 544 leopards died in 2023, marking highest rise in decade Reports said that the two had studied together at a school in Madurai, and despite Vetrimaran's sex change and name alteration, Nandhini continued the friendship on humanitarian grounds. Both individuals had even worked together in a company in Chennai. Also Read | India to replace ‘very old’ Maitri research station in Antarctica by 2029 The motive behind the heinous crime unfolded as it was discovered that Vetrimaran, an MBA graduate, had undergone a sex change to marry Nandhini. The relationship took a dark turn when Nandhini refused to engage romantically with Vetrimaran after the sex change. Despite the fallout, they remained in touch. On the fateful day, Vetrimaran lured Nandhini, who had recently secured a job in Chennai, into spending time with him. After buying her new clothes, he took her to a deserted spot, where he bound her hands and feet with chains. Despite Nandhini's pleas, Vetrimaran proceeded to slash her neck and arms with a blade before dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire. The police acted swiftly, arresting Vetrimaran and remanding him to judicial custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian trans man kills woman friend after luring her with birthday surprise

<p>Under the new guidance released by the UK&nbsp;Department of Education, teachers in the country have been told that they do not have to address students by their chosen pronouns. The draft document states that&nbsp;children, teachers or staff at a school should "not be required to adopt the use of preferred pronouns".</p>

<p>The draft adds that in&nbsp;the absence of preferred pronouns, the child's preferred name should be used, with schools having a duty to ensure bullying is never tolerated.</p>

<p>Commenting on the decision,&nbsp;Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said teachers or&nbsp;pupils should not be pressured into using different pronouns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The draft takes a 'parents first' approach under which they should be informed at the earliest if their ward demands to have a different gender at school than the one assigned at birth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Parents' views must also be at the heart of all decisions made about their children," added Keegan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the plethora of changes, former prime minister Liz Truss said the guidance provided "insufficient protection and clarity". Notably, Truss previously presented a private member's bill that called for social transitioning to not be recognised by schools for under-18s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swimming-bodys-world-cup-open-races-for-transgenders-cancelled-after-no-one-shows-up-642659"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Swimming body's World Cup 'open' races for transgenders cancelled after no one shows up</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Other key points</strong></h2>

<p>The new guidance takes a cautious approach to the issue. It states that&nbsp;teachers do not have a "general duty" to allow pupils to socially transition and are urged to use caution, including "watchful waiting periods, and ensuring parents are fully consulted before any decision is taken".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Proper use of this guidance means social transition, in practice, should be extremely rare when the appropriate safeguards are put in place and the child's best interest taken into account," the draft adds.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rishi-sunaks-plan-to-make-maths-compulsory-in-uk-schools-583480"><strong>Watch | Rishi Sunak's plan to make maths compulsory in UK schools</strong></a></p>

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<p>Other key points from the draft states that schools must have sex-separated toilets for students aged eight and over. The schools should also strive to make sure competitive sport is fair for all students - meaning separated categories for boys and girls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sleeping arrangements like dormitories, tents and shared rooms should be sex separated. A children who is questioning their gender should wear the same uniform standard as other children of their sex.</p>

<p>The new Gender Questioning Guidance, promised since 2018, was supposed to be released before the summer holidays but was delayed to ensure it met the&nbsp;"high expectations" of teachers and parents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Under the new guidance released by the UK Department of Education, teachers in the country have been told that they do not have to address students by their chosen pronouns.

Under the new guidance released by the UK Department of Education, teachers in the country have been told that they do not have to address students by their chosen pronouns. The draft document states that children, teachers or staff at a school should "not be required to adopt the use of preferred pronouns". The draft adds that in the absence of preferred pronouns, the child's preferred name should be used, with schools having a duty to ensure bullying is never tolerated. Commenting on the decision, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said teachers or pupils should not be pressured into using different pronouns. The draft takes a 'parents first' approach under which they should be informed at the earliest if their ward demands to have a different gender at school than the one assigned at birth. "Parents' views must also be at the heart of all decisions made about their children," added Keegan. Despite the plethora of changes, former prime minister Liz Truss said the guidance provided "insufficient protection and clarity". Notably, Truss previously presented a private member's bill that called for social transitioning to not be recognised by schools for under-18s. Also read | Swimming body's World Cup 'open' races for transgenders cancelled after no one shows up Other key points The new guidance takes a cautious approach to the issue. It states that teachers do not have a "general duty" to allow pupils to socially transition and are urged to use caution, including "watchful waiting periods, and ensuring parents are fully consulted before any decision is taken". "Proper use of this guidance means social transition, in practice, should be extremely rare when the appropriate safeguards are put in place and the child's best interest taken into account," the draft adds. Watch | Rishi Sunak's plan to make maths compulsory in UK schools × Other key points from the draft states that schools must have sex-separated toilets for students aged eight and over. The schools should also strive to make sure competitive sport is fair for all students - meaning separated categories for boys and girls. Sleeping arrangements like dormitories, tents and shared rooms should be sex separated. A children who is questioning their gender should wear the same uniform standard as other children of their sex. The new Gender Questioning Guidance, promised since 2018, was supposed to be released before the summer holidays but was delayed to ensure it met the "high expectations" of teachers and parents. (With inputs from agencies)

Teachers in UK don’t have to address students by their preferred pronouns under new guidance

<p>A museum in the United Kingdom has recently rebranded Roman emperor Elagabalus as a transgender person. The North Hertfordshire Museum in Hitchens has cited classical texts, including purported remarks by the emperor himself such as "call me not Lord, for I am a Lady".</p>

<p>The above remark was reportedly recorded by Roman historian Cassius Dio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The museum has now opted to use she/her pronouns when referring to Elagabalus, who reigned from 218 to 222 AD.</p>

<h2><strong>Sensitisation towards LGBTQ+ community: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Keith Hoskins, the executive member for Enterprise and Arts at North Herts Council, which is involved in running the museum, said: "We try to be sensitive to identifying pronouns for people in the past, as we are for people in the present, it is only polite and respectful."</p>

<p>But experts are divided.</p>

<p>Mary Beard, author of "Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World," told TIME magazine: “This is as tricky [an] area in the ancient world as it is now. What is said by Romans about Elagabalus powerfully reminds us that debates about the boundaries between male and female go back thousands of years (we are not the first generation to have those debates),”</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest</strong></p>

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<p>The museum's LGBTQ+ collection features a coin of Elagabalus, adding another dimension to their decision.</p>

<p>Elagabalus, known for marrying both men and women, presents a historical enigma regarding pronoun usage, with conflicting interpretations of Dio's writings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some experts argue that Dio's references to Elagabalus wearing makeup and wigs could have been attempts to undermine the emperor's rule rather than him being a transgender person.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hospital-inaugurates-indias-first-dedicated-opd-for-transgender-community-636964">Delhi hospital inaugurates India's first dedicated OPD for transgender community</a></strong></p>

<p>But the museum has underscored Elagabalus's explicit preference for she/her pronouns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, experts also urge caution to add that while ancient debates on gender boundaries existed, modern categories should not be indiscriminately applied to the complexities of the ancient world.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A museum in the United Kingdom has recently rebranded Roman emperor Elagabalus as a transgender person. The North Hertfordshire Museum in Hitchens has cited classical texts, including purported remarks by the emperor himself such as "call me not Lord, for I am a Lady".

A museum in the United Kingdom has recently rebranded Roman emperor Elagabalus as a transgender person. The North Hertfordshire Museum in Hitchens has cited classical texts, including purported remarks by the emperor himself such as "call me not Lord, for I am a Lady". The above remark was reportedly recorded by Roman historian Cassius Dio. The museum has now opted to use she/her pronouns when referring to Elagabalus, who reigned from 218 to 222 AD. Sensitisation towards LGBTQ+ community: What does it mean? Keith Hoskins, the executive member for Enterprise and Arts at North Herts Council, which is involved in running the museum, said: "We try to be sensitive to identifying pronouns for people in the past, as we are for people in the present, it is only polite and respectful." But experts are divided. Mary Beard, author of "Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World," told TIME magazine: “This is as tricky [an] area in the ancient world as it is now. What is said by Romans about Elagabalus powerfully reminds us that debates about the boundaries between male and female go back thousands of years (we are not the first generation to have those debates),” Also watch | WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest × The museum's LGBTQ+ collection features a coin of Elagabalus, adding another dimension to their decision. Elagabalus, known for marrying both men and women, presents a historical enigma regarding pronoun usage, with conflicting interpretations of Dio's writings. Some experts argue that Dio's references to Elagabalus wearing makeup and wigs could have been attempts to undermine the emperor's rule rather than him being a transgender person. Also read | Delhi hospital inaugurates India's first dedicated OPD for transgender community But the museum has underscored Elagabalus's explicit preference for she/her pronouns. Besides, experts also urge caution to add that while ancient debates on gender boundaries existed, modern categories should not be indiscriminately applied to the complexities of the ancient world. (With inputs from agencies)

UK museum rebrands Roman emperor as transgender person with he/him pronouns

<p>The docu-series <em>Rainbow Rishta </em>is nothing short of a milestone in the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ stories in India on OTT platforms.&nbsp;As someone who has been closely following the legal developments and engaging with the queer community, this docu-series arrives at a poignant moment, just days after India's Supreme Court failed to legalise same-sex marriages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a country where the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is still ongoing, <em>Rainbow Rishta </em>brought out to the forefront six compelling stories, each showing what resilience, queer love, and hope look like.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are the stories of people who have struggled to find their place in a society that often stigmatises and marginalises them.</p>

<p>Directed by Jaydeep Sarkar, the series masterfully captured their personal journeys, unearthing the layers of hidden trauma, shame, and discrimination that many LGBTQIA+ individuals endure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through these stories, one gets a sneak peek into the triumphs and tribulations of the queer community in India.</p>

<h2><strong>Who all are there?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>One story is that of Trinetra Haldar, a trans woman whose success is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to find their true calling without being burdened by societal shame or fear.</p>

<p>In the docu-series, another story is of Aneez and Sanam, a young lesbian couple from Guwahati. They share their endearing love story and their struggles to find an apartment. This is another set of everyday challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. But what sets the story apart is their determination to create a life together. It is just heartwarming.</p>

<p>In Delhi, Ayushmaan, a human rights lawyer who also performs as the drag artist Lush Monsoon, provided a window into the world of drag and self-acceptance. Despite the fact that he has yet to come out to his parents, Ayushmaan's journey is a profound exploration of the art of drag and how he finds the extraordinary beauty within it. His expressive eyes often stir deep emotions, laying bare the contrast between his fears of body shaming and the sophisticated, love-seeking individual he truly is.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Next in the spotlight are Soham and Suresh, a gay couple navigating the challenges and emotional distance that sometimes test their relationship. Their determination to seek therapy and work through their issues speaks of their commitment to each other and their shared dream of being together, hand in hand, watching the sun set away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The six-episode docu-series also features Sadam, a resident of Imphal. Betrayal by a past lover and having gone through a drug overdose, his story ultimately leads to a profound transformation in him. It depicts his fear of relationships and the eventual realisation that love knows no boundaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lastly, there's Daniella, an intersex individual who endured numerous traumatic experiences, including sexual assault, living on the streets, being handed over to the eunuch community by her father, and even resorting to prostitution. Her life has been one of resilience. Now embraced by her parents, the most amazing chapter in her journey comes when she marries Joel, a celebration that is nothing short of a grand and joyous affair.</p>

<h2><strong>Title track</strong></h2>

<p>The title track "Nazaare" skillfully replaces the sombre spectres of queer prejudice with stylish lyrics. It strengthens the resilience and pride of those who refuse to be defined by others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It's not merely a song, it's an anthem of empowerment to the LGBTQAI+ community and an exuberant celebration of their unique identities.</p>

<p>The series wraps up with the LGBTQ+ community expressing their collective hope that one day, India, with legislative changes, will provide queer people equal rights, allowing them to live authentic lives free from pretense.</p>

<p>The landmark 2014 recognition of transgender people as a "third gender," and the 2018 decriminalisation of homosexuality, are significant legal victories, but there is still much progress to be made.</p>

<p>This docu-series speaks volumes about how every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves the same rights and opportunities. It is a call to action, urging society, and lawmakers to ensure that every citizen can lead an unapologetic life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Rainbow Rishta </em>is a celebration of love, courage, and hope, and a powerful symbolism to the indomitable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community in India. It's a series that should be watched, shared, and discussed, as it amplifies the voices of those who have long been silenced.</p>


The docu-series Rainbow Rishta is nothing short of a milestone in the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ stories in India on OTT platforms. As someone who has been closely following the legal developments and engaging with the queer community, this docu-series arrives at a poignant moment, just days after India's Supreme Court failed to legalise same-sex marriages.

The docu-series Rainbow Rishta is nothing short of a milestone in the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ stories in India on OTT platforms. As someone who has been closely following the legal developments and engaging with the queer community, this docu-series arrives at a poignant moment, just days after India's Supreme Court failed to legalise same-sex marriages. In a country where the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is still ongoing, Rainbow Rishta brought out to the forefront six compelling stories, each showing what resilience, queer love, and hope look like. These are the stories of people who have struggled to find their place in a society that often stigmatises and marginalises them. Directed by Jaydeep Sarkar, the series masterfully captured their personal journeys, unearthing the layers of hidden trauma, shame, and discrimination that many LGBTQIA+ individuals endure. Through these stories, one gets a sneak peek into the triumphs and tribulations of the queer community in India. Who all are there? One story is that of Trinetra Haldar, a trans woman whose success is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to find their true calling without being burdened by societal shame or fear. In the docu-series, another story is of Aneez and Sanam, a young lesbian couple from Guwahati. They share their endearing love story and their struggles to find an apartment. This is another set of everyday challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. But what sets the story apart is their determination to create a life together. It is just heartwarming. In Delhi, Ayushmaan, a human rights lawyer who also performs as the drag artist Lush Monsoon, provided a window into the world of drag and self-acceptance. Despite the fact that he has yet to come out to his parents, Ayushmaan's journey is a profound exploration of the art of drag and how he finds the extraordinary beauty within it. His expressive eyes often stir deep emotions, laying bare the contrast between his fears of body shaming and the sophisticated, love-seeking individual he truly is. Next in the spotlight are Soham and Suresh, a gay couple navigating the challenges and emotional distance that sometimes test their relationship. Their determination to seek therapy and work through their issues speaks of their commitment to each other and their shared dream of being together, hand in hand, watching the sun set away. The six-episode docu-series also features Sadam, a resident of Imphal. Betrayal by a past lover and having gone through a drug overdose, his story ultimately leads to a profound transformation in him. It depicts his fear of relationships and the eventual realisation that love knows no boundaries. Lastly, there's Daniella, an intersex individual who endured numerous traumatic experiences, including sexual assault, living on the streets, being handed over to the eunuch community by her father, and even resorting to prostitution. Her life has been one of resilience. Now embraced by her parents, the most amazing chapter in her journey comes when she marries Joel, a celebration that is nothing short of a grand and joyous affair. Title track The title track "Nazaare" skillfully replaces the sombre spectres of queer prejudice with stylish lyrics. It strengthens the resilience and pride of those who refuse to be defined by others. It's not merely a song, it's an anthem of empowerment to the LGBTQAI+ community and an exuberant celebration of their unique identities. The series wraps up with the LGBTQ+ community expressing their collective hope that one day, India, with legislative changes, will provide queer people equal rights, allowing them to live authentic lives free from pretense. The landmark 2014 recognition of transgender people as a "third gender," and the 2018 decriminalisation of homosexuality, are significant legal victories, but there is still much progress to be made. This docu-series speaks volumes about how every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves the same rights and opportunities. It is a call to action, urging society, and lawmakers to ensure that every citizen can lead an unapologetic life. Rainbow Rishta is a celebration of love, courage, and hope, and a powerful symbolism to the indomitable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community in India. It's a series that should be watched, shared, and discussed, as it amplifies the voices of those who have long been silenced.

Rainbow Rishta review: Tinged with gloom, this docu-series is a candid exploration of queer emotions

Thirty-year-old transsexual Amit Mohite, also known as Amrapali Mohite, lives in Pune. Amrapali, a postgraduate student who was raised in the Tadiwala Road slums of Pune, provides for about a hundred youngsters who live on the city's sidewalks.

India: Transgender person runs footpath schools in Pune

<p>A little more than a year after banning transgender women from competing in elite female swimming events, the World Aquatics, earlier this week, cancelled its first 'open races' for transgenders after no one registered for the event. The World Cup meeting was scheduled to take place in Berlin but the organisers were forced to scrap the event after receiving no entries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following the close of registration for the open category competitions, World Aquatics can confirm that no entries have been received for the Open Category events," World Aquatics said in a statement.</p>

<p>The open category was set to feature 50-metre and 100-metre races across all strokes as part of a "pioneering pilot project'. It was last year that the&nbsp;governing body of the sport decided to introduce a new category for athletes whose gender identity is different from their birth sex, after banning transgender participation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/incusiveness-or-unfair-advantage-debate-over-trans-athletes-in-sports-intensifies-492057"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Inclusiveness or unfair advantage? Debate over trans athletes in sports intensifies</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>World Aquatics&nbsp;to continue its efforts</strong></h2>

<p>Despite receiving no entries, the global body is aiming to persist with the endeavour and will include the category at masters events in future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'The World Aquatics open category working group will continue its work and engagement with the aquatics community on open category events. Even if there is no current demand at the elite level, the working group is planning to look at the possibility of including open category races at masters events in the future.'</p>

<p>British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies - a vocal critic of transgender women competing in women's sport - took to social media and trashed the transgender females for not turning up to face their competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If trans women aren't going to get the physical benefit of racing females instead of others males, they're not interested!" said Davies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In June 2022, World Aquatics' (formerly known as FINA), voted to allow only those who had completed their transition by the age of 12 to take part in women's competitions. The decision was prompted after reviewing the success of American Lia Thomas, who despite being a moderate college swimmer as a male competitor, managed to win an NCAA national college title in the women's category after transitioning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A section of the sporting world believes that it is unfair to biological females when transgender females compete against them. Despite the transition, the transgenders possess visible physical advantages over their female counterparts which leads to an uneven playing field. The 'Open' event was aimed at providing a solution but it may have thrown more questions than before, experts say.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A little more than a year after banning transgender women from competing in elite female swimming events, the World Aquatics, earlier this week, cancelled its first 'open races' for transgenders after no one registered for the event.

A little more than a year after banning transgender women from competing in elite female swimming events, the World Aquatics, earlier this week, cancelled its first 'open races' for transgenders after no one registered for the event. The World Cup meeting was scheduled to take place in Berlin but the organisers were forced to scrap the event after receiving no entries. "Following the close of registration for the open category competitions, World Aquatics can confirm that no entries have been received for the Open Category events," World Aquatics said in a statement. The open category was set to feature 50-metre and 100-metre races across all strokes as part of a "pioneering pilot project'. It was last year that the governing body of the sport decided to introduce a new category for athletes whose gender identity is different from their birth sex, after banning transgender participation. Also read | Inclusiveness or unfair advantage? Debate over trans athletes in sports intensifies World Aquatics to continue its efforts Despite receiving no entries, the global body is aiming to persist with the endeavour and will include the category at masters events in future. 'The World Aquatics open category working group will continue its work and engagement with the aquatics community on open category events. Even if there is no current demand at the elite level, the working group is planning to look at the possibility of including open category races at masters events in the future.' British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies - a vocal critic of transgender women competing in women's sport - took to social media and trashed the transgender females for not turning up to face their competition. "If trans women aren't going to get the physical benefit of racing females instead of others males, they're not interested!" said Davies. In June 2022, World Aquatics' (formerly known as FINA), voted to allow only those who had completed their transition by the age of 12 to take part in women's competitions. The decision was prompted after reviewing the success of American Lia Thomas, who despite being a moderate college swimmer as a male competitor, managed to win an NCAA national college title in the women's category after transitioning. A section of the sporting world believes that it is unfair to biological females when transgender females compete against them. Despite the transition, the transgenders possess visible physical advantages over their female counterparts which leads to an uneven playing field. The 'Open' event was aimed at providing a solution but it may have thrown more questions than before, experts say. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Swimming body's World Cup 'open' races for transgenders cancelled after no one shows up

<p>Swapna Barman, India's heptathlon star has issued an unconditional apology, days after issuing a controversial 'transgender' statement about fellow athlete Nadini Agasara. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Barman&nbsp;said her comments were the result of an emotional reaction after she failed to win a medal at the Asian Games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction,” posted Barman on Thursday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction🙏🏻</p>
— Swapna Barman (@Swapna_Barman96) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swapna_Barman96/status/1709895534897659923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What did Barman allege?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, Barman had taken to the platform to allege that she lost the bronze medal to a transgender athlete, much to the shock of the Indian athletic community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to transgender women at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. I want my medal back as it is against the rules of our athletics. Help me and support me please. #protestforfairplay," Barman had posted on X, before deleting it later in the day on October 2.</p>

<p>Barman&nbsp;alleged that such performance was not possible in four months, referring to&nbsp;Agasara.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Agasara's response&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the gravity of the allegations,&nbsp;Agasara kept a cool head and urged her compatriot to come up with proof to back up her claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know what I am. Ask her to show proof. I will also show that I have won the medal for India. I only want to do well for the country,"&nbsp;Agasara was quoted as saying by India Today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-indias-athletics-body-to-protest-against-officials-concerning-wrong-decisions-642917"><strong>Also read | Asian Games: India's athletics body to protest against officials concerning wrong decisions</strong></a></p>

<p>The Indian athlete added that she would escalate the matter with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now we have won, so people have started talking about it. I will take up this issue with AFI for sure. I wanted to enjoy the moment of winning the medal but going back to India as my mother is not well."</p>

<p>Notably, Agasara took the bronze medal home after accumulating a total of 5712 points, four more than Barman, after the culmination of the eight events in the women's heptathlon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barman lost the medal, despite starting strong on the 100m hurdles. She trailed in the high jump after failing to clear the 1.73m mark and could not replicate her performance from Jakarta in the shot put as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Swapna Barman, India's heptathlon star has issued an unconditional apology, days after issuing a controversial 'transgender' statement about fellow athlete Nadini Agasara.

Swapna Barman, India's heptathlon star has issued an unconditional apology, days after issuing a controversial 'transgender' statement about fellow athlete Nadini Agasara. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Barman said her comments were the result of an emotional reaction after she failed to win a medal at the Asian Games. “I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction,” posted Barman on Thursday. I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction🙏🏻 — Swapna Barman (@Swapna_Barman96) October 5, 2023 × What did Barman allege? Earlier this week, Barman had taken to the platform to allege that she lost the bronze medal to a transgender athlete, much to the shock of the Indian athletic community. "I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to transgender women at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. I want my medal back as it is against the rules of our athletics. Help me and support me please. #protestforfairplay," Barman had posted on X, before deleting it later in the day on October 2. Barman alleged that such performance was not possible in four months, referring to Agasara. Agasara's response Despite the gravity of the allegations, Agasara kept a cool head and urged her compatriot to come up with proof to back up her claims. "I know what I am. Ask her to show proof. I will also show that I have won the medal for India. I only want to do well for the country," Agasara was quoted as saying by India Today. Also read | Asian Games: India's athletics body to protest against officials concerning wrong decisions The Indian athlete added that she would escalate the matter with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). "Now we have won, so people have started talking about it. I will take up this issue with AFI for sure. I wanted to enjoy the moment of winning the medal but going back to India as my mother is not well." Notably, Agasara took the bronze medal home after accumulating a total of 5712 points, four more than Barman, after the culmination of the eight events in the women's heptathlon. Barman lost the medal, despite starting strong on the 100m hurdles. She trailed in the high jump after failing to clear the 1.73m mark and could not replicate her performance from Jakarta in the shot put as well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Asian Games 2023: Swapna Barman apologises for transgender comments on fellow athlete

<p>India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has suggested the government that 'third gender' should be added as a category in order to facilitate individuals from the transgender community to seek civil service jobs in the country by appearing for the entrance examinations.</p>

<p>Jobs in India's civil services are considered prestigious and can be earned by clearing the highly competitive exam held by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).</p>

<p>In spite of the efforts for social sensitisation, members of the transgender community face social stigma and isolation in the country and the cumulative effect of these social factors may result in them being unable to avail opportunities that are usually available to other citizens relatively easily.</p>

<p>The NHRC released its advisory for central and state governments earlier this month (September 15) with a view to 'enhance the welfare and rights’ of the transgender community.</p>

<p>The NHRC has made 32 recommendations that pertain to employment, welfare, education, inclusivity, healthcare and grievance redressal. The commission has advised centre and state governments&nbsp;to implement the suggestions in "letter and spirit".</p>

<p>The rights panel has also made more recommendations for the welfare of the transgender community. NHRC has recommended authorities set up old age homes for transgender persons and also an “exclusive platform” for them to showcase their talent during cultural events.</p>

<p>NHRC has also suggested that a provision for monetary grants for sex change should be made. Even the provision of free sex reassignment surgery should be considered at government hospitals.</p>

<p>The NHRC recommended holding regular sensitisation programmes on sexual orientation and gender identity for people working with transgender persons.</p>

<p>A ‘Grievance Redressal Cell’ with at least one transgender person should be set up in organisations, the advisory said.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has suggested the government that 'third gender' should be added as a category in order to facilitate individuals from the transgender community to seek civil service jobs in the country by appearing for the entrance examinations.

India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has suggested the government that 'third gender' should be added as a category in order to facilitate individuals from the transgender community to seek civil service jobs in the country by appearing for the entrance examinations. Jobs in India's civil services are considered prestigious and can be earned by clearing the highly competitive exam held by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). In spite of the efforts for social sensitisation, members of the transgender community face social stigma and isolation in the country and the cumulative effect of these social factors may result in them being unable to avail opportunities that are usually available to other citizens relatively easily. The NHRC released its advisory for central and state governments earlier this month (September 15) with a view to 'enhance the welfare and rights’ of the transgender community. The NHRC has made 32 recommendations that pertain to employment, welfare, education, inclusivity, healthcare and grievance redressal. The commission has advised centre and state governments to implement the suggestions in "letter and spirit". The rights panel has also made more recommendations for the welfare of the transgender community. NHRC has recommended authorities set up old age homes for transgender persons and also an “exclusive platform” for them to showcase their talent during cultural events. NHRC has also suggested that a provision for monetary grants for sex change should be made. Even the provision of free sex reassignment surgery should be considered at government hospitals. The NHRC recommended holding regular sensitisation programmes on sexual orientation and gender identity for people working with transgender persons. A ‘Grievance Redressal Cell’ with at least one transgender person should be set up in organisations, the advisory said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Third gender' category should be provided for civil service aspirants: NHRC

<p>Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy described transgenderism as a form of “mental health disorder” as he staunchly opposed gender affirmation surgeries, especially for under 18-year-olds.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old businessman from Ohio, who has been grabbing headlines for his ‘anti-woke’ views, said that “chemical castration” under the age of 18 should not be allowed.</p>

<p>He vocally expressed his views when Fox host Dana Perino asked the presidential hopefuls whether they would pass a federal law requiring parents to be notified about their child changing gender identities.</p>

<p>The Indian-origin Republican leader asserted that parents have the “right to know” about their kids’ prospective transitions, and that “it is not compassionate to affirm a kid's confusion.”</p>

<p>He said that as president, he would pass a federal law permanently outlawing procedures he called “genital mutilation”.</p>

<p>“I have to be very clear about this. Transgenderism, especially in kids, is a mental health disorder. We have to acknowledge the truth of that for what it is…parents have the right to know…the very people who say that this increases the risk of suicide are also the ones saying parents don’t have the right to know about the increased risk of suicide. And I am sorry, it is not compassionate to affirm a kid’s confusion. That is not compassion, that is cruelty.”</p>

<h2><strong>'Kids with gender dysphoria considering&nbsp;suicide'</strong></h2>

<p>He further claimed, without providing any evidence, that 50 per cent of kids with gender dysphoria have considered suicide.</p>

<p>“Yet politicians reject a law that would require schools to inform parents if their kids change their gender identity at school. Parents have a right to know about their kids: that shouldn’t be controversial. Ban genital mutilation &amp; puberty blockers before age 18. Treat gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder. Time to empower parents again."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-duck-and-other-trump-zingers-that-stole-the-gop-debate-spotlight-640458">'Donald duck' and other Trump zingers that stole the GOP debate spotlight</a></p>

<p>Seven GOP contenders competed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Wednesday night, except Donald Trump who decided to skip the debate and will most likely not attend the third one as well.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gop-debate-who-said-what-on-economy-trump-immigration-and-ukraine-640427">GOP debate: Who said what on economy, Trump, immigration and Ukraine?</a></p>

<p>Ramaswamy has been riding high on his increased popularity and is currently the most popular Republican Presidential candidate after former US President Donald Trump, a CNN poll showed.</p>

<p>Notably, he de-throned Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who was earlier seen as the chief rival to Trump.&nbsp;DeSantis has seen voting share decline significantly and is now in the 5th spot.</p>

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Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy described transgenderism as a form of “mental health disorder” as he staunchly opposed gender affirmation surgeries, especially for under 18-year-olds.

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy described transgenderism as a form of “mental health disorder” as he staunchly opposed gender affirmation surgeries, especially for under 18-year-olds. The 38-year-old businessman from Ohio, who has been grabbing headlines for his ‘anti-woke’ views, said that “chemical castration” under the age of 18 should not be allowed. He vocally expressed his views when Fox host Dana Perino asked the presidential hopefuls whether they would pass a federal law requiring parents to be notified about their child changing gender identities. The Indian-origin Republican leader asserted that parents have the “right to know” about their kids’ prospective transitions, and that “it is not compassionate to affirm a kid's confusion.” He said that as president, he would pass a federal law permanently outlawing procedures he called “genital mutilation”. “I have to be very clear about this. Transgenderism, especially in kids, is a mental health disorder. We have to acknowledge the truth of that for what it is…parents have the right to know…the very people who say that this increases the risk of suicide are also the ones saying parents don’t have the right to know about the increased risk of suicide. And I am sorry, it is not compassionate to affirm a kid’s confusion. That is not compassion, that is cruelty.” 'Kids with gender dysphoria considering suicide' He further claimed, without providing any evidence, that 50 per cent of kids with gender dysphoria have considered suicide. “Yet politicians reject a law that would require schools to inform parents if their kids change their gender identity at school. Parents have a right to know about their kids: that shouldn’t be controversial. Ban genital mutilation & puberty blockers before age 18. Treat gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder. Time to empower parents again." Also read | 'Donald duck' and other Trump zingers that stole the GOP debate spotlight Seven GOP contenders competed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Wednesday night, except Donald Trump who decided to skip the debate and will most likely not attend the third one as well. Also read | GOP debate: Who said what on economy, Trump, immigration and Ukraine? Ramaswamy has been riding high on his increased popularity and is currently the most popular Republican Presidential candidate after former US President Donald Trump, a CNN poll showed. Notably, he de-throned Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who was earlier seen as the chief rival to Trump. DeSantis has seen voting share decline significantly and is now in the 5th spot. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Transgenderism a mental health disorder’, says Vivek Ramaswamy in GOP debate

<p>Transgender chess players will not be permitted to compete in women's tournaments under temporary new rules to be introduced from Monday by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).</p>

<p>"In the case of a gender transition from male to female, the player is not entitled to take part in women's events until a new decision is taken by FIDE," said the Lausanne-based organisation in a statement.</p>

<p>This decision will be taken "within two years", according to the same source.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FIDE stressed, however, that there are "no restrictions on playing in the open section for a person who has changed gender".</p>

<p>The measures do not apply to transgender men competing in the men's categories, but they will be stripped of any women's titles they won before their transition, according to the temporary rules.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-sanju-samson-and-shreyas-iyer-harbhajan-singh-names-his-india-squad-for-asia-cup-2023-626652">No Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer! Harbhajan Singh names his India squad for Asia Cup 2023</a></p>

<p>According to FIDE, gender reassignment "has a significant impact on a player's status and future eligibility for tournaments", without providing any further details about the reasons for this.</p>

<p>The announcement drew criticism from transgender players.</p>

<p>"I don't think I'm smarter than most cis women, nor do I think that my pre-transition years have given me an innate advantage at chess," said transgender journalist and chess player Ana Valens in an article published on The Mary Sue website.</p>

<p>In the world of sport, the International Cycling Union (UCI), World Athletics and the International Swimming Federation have also taken steps to exclude transgender athletes from women's competitions.</p>

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Transgender chess players will not be permitted to compete in women's tournaments under temporary new rules to be introduced from Monday by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Transgender chess players will not be permitted to compete in women's tournaments under temporary new rules to be introduced from Monday by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). "In the case of a gender transition from male to female, the player is not entitled to take part in women's events until a new decision is taken by FIDE," said the Lausanne-based organisation in a statement. This decision will be taken "within two years", according to the same source. FIDE stressed, however, that there are "no restrictions on playing in the open section for a person who has changed gender". The measures do not apply to transgender men competing in the men's categories, but they will be stripped of any women's titles they won before their transition, according to the temporary rules. ALSO READ | No Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer! Harbhajan Singh names his India squad for Asia Cup 2023 According to FIDE, gender reassignment "has a significant impact on a player's status and future eligibility for tournaments", without providing any further details about the reasons for this. The announcement drew criticism from transgender players. "I don't think I'm smarter than most cis women, nor do I think that my pre-transition years have given me an innate advantage at chess," said transgender journalist and chess player Ana Valens in an article published on The Mary Sue website. In the world of sport, the International Cycling Union (UCI), World Athletics and the International Swimming Federation have also taken steps to exclude transgender athletes from women's competitions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Transgender chess players barred from women's tournaments

<p>A transgender man from the United Kingdom gave birth to a baby girl. The 27-year-old Caleb Bolden stopped taking his gender-transitioning medications in January last year when he decided to carry a baby. Caleb wants “other trans people to know it’s OK to carry a child.”</p>

<p>Caleb and his partner, Niamh Bolden, 25 always wanted a child. Niamh also started trying to have a child with the help of a sperm donor. But Niamh suffered three miscarriages and a stillbirth of twins before doctors said it was unlikely that they would ever be able to grow their family this way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-passenger-argues-over-halal-certified-tea-served-on-indian-railways-train-618843">Watch | Passenger argues over halal-certified tea served on Indian Railways train</a></p>

<p>Caleb started transitioning six years ago, reported Metro UK. Niamh’s private fertility treatment would have cost £70,000 (more than ₹70 lakh). This is when Caleb decided to step up and took the decision to get pregnant.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Caleb plans to have another baby despite facing problems</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Despite suffering gender dysphoria while he was pregnant and having to face horrid comments from strangers, Caleb loves being a father and plans to have another baby.</p>

<p>He stopped his daily testosterone injections and found a sperm donor on social media. He later gave birth to their daughter Isla-Rae Bolden in May.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-black-lives-do-not-matter-police-in-us-attack-unarmed-black-man-with-k-9-dog-despite-his-surrender-618784">Watch | Black lives do not matter? Police in US attack unarmed man with K-9 dog despite his surrender</a></p>

<p>“Coming off testosterone was a rocky road as I had so many hormones going around my body,” Caleb, who works as a store manager, said.</p>

<p>“It was soul-destroying. Transitioning is something I knew I wanted to do from a young age. But I knew for myself and my partner [parenthood] was something we had always wanted, and I wanted to give it a shot.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rise-of-ai-artificial-intelligence-project-imagines-argentinas-dictatorship-abducted-babies-in-the-1970s-618831">Rise of AI: Artificial Intelligence project imagines Argentina’s dictatorship abducted babies in the 1970s</a></p>

<p>“When it’s age-appropriate, I will tell (Isla-Rae) the relevant information,” he added.</p>

<p>Caleb further shared that he was told he could never get pregnant and that his periods wouldn’t come back as he had been in a transition phase for the past 26 months. But within a month of stopping his medications, his menstrual cycle returned and in the next six months and three attempts using a sperm donor, he was pregnant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A transgender man from the United Kingdom gave birth to a baby girl. The 27-year-old Caleb Bolden stopped taking his gender-transitioning medications in January last year when he decided to carry a baby.

A transgender man from the United Kingdom gave birth to a baby girl. The 27-year-old Caleb Bolden stopped taking his gender-transitioning medications in January last year when he decided to carry a baby. Caleb wants “other trans people to know it’s OK to carry a child.” Caleb and his partner, Niamh Bolden, 25 always wanted a child. Niamh also started trying to have a child with the help of a sperm donor. But Niamh suffered three miscarriages and a stillbirth of twins before doctors said it was unlikely that they would ever be able to grow their family this way. Also Read | Watch | Passenger argues over halal-certified tea served on Indian Railways train Caleb started transitioning six years ago, reported Metro UK. Niamh’s private fertility treatment would have cost £70,000 (more than ₹70 lakh). This is when Caleb decided to step up and took the decision to get pregnant. Caleb plans to have another baby despite facing problems Despite suffering gender dysphoria while he was pregnant and having to face horrid comments from strangers, Caleb loves being a father and plans to have another baby. He stopped his daily testosterone injections and found a sperm donor on social media. He later gave birth to their daughter Isla-Rae Bolden in May. Also Read | Watch | Black lives do not matter? Police in US attack unarmed man with K-9 dog despite his surrender “Coming off testosterone was a rocky road as I had so many hormones going around my body,” Caleb, who works as a store manager, said. “It was soul-destroying. Transitioning is something I knew I wanted to do from a young age. But I knew for myself and my partner [parenthood] was something we had always wanted, and I wanted to give it a shot.” Also Read | Rise of AI: Artificial Intelligence project imagines Argentina’s dictatorship abducted babies in the 1970s “When it’s age-appropriate, I will tell (Isla-Rae) the relevant information,” he added. Caleb further shared that he was told he could never get pregnant and that his periods wouldn’t come back as he had been in a transition phase for the past 26 months. But within a month of stopping his medications, his menstrual cycle returned and in the next six months and three attempts using a sperm donor, he was pregnant. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Transgender man gives birth to baby girl in UK, plans on having another child

<p>In a landmark verdict, the Japanese Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 11) ruled in favour of a transgender woman, saying restrictions put on using women’s toilets at her workplace were “unacceptable”.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>The case was filed by a woman in her 50s, who cannot be named for privacy reasons, against her employer, the Ministry of Economy and Trade. The official who was assigned male at birth, sued the government after she was told to use women’s toilets two floors below her office, as opposed to the ones closer to her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Tokyo District Court, in 2019, ruled in favour of the employee and called the restrictions unlawful. However, the decision was reversed in 2021 by the Tokyo High Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plaintiff said that being barred from using the female toilets near her “deeply hurt” her and violated the country’s law which protects state employees against loss or damage in the workplace.</p>

<p>The woman was diagnosed with gender dysphoria around 1999 when she was already a government employee. However, it was not until a decade later that she told her supervisor she wished to dress and work as a woman, and her request was approved.</p>

<h2><strong>The arguments</strong></h2>

<p>The government officials argued how their move was justified and cited a lack of “public understanding” toward transgender people for using the facilities of their declared gender.</p>

<p>However, the plaintiff’s team argued that no female employee had raised any concerns about sharing the toilet. It is also worth noting that the plaintiff has not changed her legal gender, but otherwise lives as a woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Japan, transgender people can only legally change their gender if they have undergone gender reassignment surgery, while the current law effectively requires them to be surgically sterilised. The plaintiff told the court that she was unable to undergo the procedure due to health reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Japan’s Supreme Court ruling considered landmark for LGBTQ+ rights</strong></h2>

<p>The verdict of this case was the first one that the Japanese top court delivered on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and experts say that this could change how public and private sectors deal with sensitive questions on women-only spaces.</p>

<p>The decision has been seen as a step forward for the country’s LGBTQ+ community and their rights as Tokyo is the only G7 nation which does not provide legal protection for same-sex unions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its ruling, the court found the decision to restrict the transgender woman from using nearby toilets was “extremely lacking in validity”. It added that the move “overly accommodated other employees and unjustly disregarded how the plaintiff might be disadvantaged.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will carefully examine the ruling and take appropriate measures after consulting with the relevant ministries and agencies,” said the ministry, after the verdict, in a statement. It added that it will make efforts to respect the diversity of its staff.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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In a landmark verdict, the Japanese Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 11) ruled in favour of a transgender woman, saying restrictions put on using women’s toilets at her workplace were “unacceptable”.

In a landmark verdict, the Japanese Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 11) ruled in favour of a transgender woman, saying restrictions put on using women’s toilets at her workplace were “unacceptable”. What was the case about? The case was filed by a woman in her 50s, who cannot be named for privacy reasons, against her employer, the Ministry of Economy and Trade. The official who was assigned male at birth, sued the government after she was told to use women’s toilets two floors below her office, as opposed to the ones closer to her. A Tokyo District Court, in 2019, ruled in favour of the employee and called the restrictions unlawful. However, the decision was reversed in 2021 by the Tokyo High Court. The plaintiff said that being barred from using the female toilets near her “deeply hurt” her and violated the country’s law which protects state employees against loss or damage in the workplace. The woman was diagnosed with gender dysphoria around 1999 when she was already a government employee. However, it was not until a decade later that she told her supervisor she wished to dress and work as a woman, and her request was approved. The arguments The government officials argued how their move was justified and cited a lack of “public understanding” toward transgender people for using the facilities of their declared gender. However, the plaintiff’s team argued that no female employee had raised any concerns about sharing the toilet. It is also worth noting that the plaintiff has not changed her legal gender, but otherwise lives as a woman. In Japan, transgender people can only legally change their gender if they have undergone gender reassignment surgery, while the current law effectively requires them to be surgically sterilised. The plaintiff told the court that she was unable to undergo the procedure due to health reasons. Japan’s Supreme Court ruling considered landmark for LGBTQ+ rights The verdict of this case was the first one that the Japanese top court delivered on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and experts say that this could change how public and private sectors deal with sensitive questions on women-only spaces. The decision has been seen as a step forward for the country’s LGBTQ+ community and their rights as Tokyo is the only G7 nation which does not provide legal protection for same-sex unions. In its ruling, the court found the decision to restrict the transgender woman from using nearby toilets was “extremely lacking in validity”. It added that the move “overly accommodated other employees and unjustly disregarded how the plaintiff might be disadvantaged.” “We will carefully examine the ruling and take appropriate measures after consulting with the relevant ministries and agencies,” said the ministry, after the verdict, in a statement. It added that it will make efforts to respect the diversity of its staff. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan’s top court backs transgender woman in bathroom case, says restriction ‘unacceptable’

Trans people exist across all classes, races, castes, and countries. Transgender people have gained prominence in various fields all over the world. From politics to entertainment, trans people have left their mark in every industry. Who are some of the prominent trans figures in India and abroad?

Voices of Pride | Trans rights and representation | WION Wideangle

Many transgender people feel sidelined within the LGBTQ+ community. Why gay people are becoming transphobic? At the same time, violence against transgender people has also spread widely. What are the issues that transgender people face in India and abroad?

Divide within the LGBTQ+ community | Are trans losing rights? | WION Wideangle

<p>The White House has banned a transgender advocate who went topless at Saturday’s Pride event on the South Lawn. US President Joe Biden’s press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that attendees of the event, including trans advocate Rose Montoya, engaged in “inappropriate” behaviour, which was “unfair to the hundreds of attendees who were there to celebrate their families.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to visit India in September</strong></p>

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<p>She said this while referring to a video posted by Rose Montoya on social media which showed some attendees, including herself, removing their tops in front of the South Portico while dancing. Karine Jean-Pierre added, “Individuals in the video certainly will not be invited to future events.”</p>

<h2><strong>Rose Montoya issues clarification</strong></h2>

<p>Rose Montoya later in a video message clarified that she had no intentions of being vulgar and that she was just living her truth. “I had zero intention of trying to be vulgar or be profane in any way. I was simply living in joy, living my truth and existing in my body,” Montoya, who uses the pronouns she/they, said in the message.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Happy Pride, free the nipple,” she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Free the nipple. <a href="https://t.co/oEua3XYrwC">pic.twitter.com/oEua3XYrwC</a></p>
— Rose Montoya 👑🌹 (@therosemontoya) <a href="https://twitter.com/therosemontoya/status/1668458605585235971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In response to critics who questioned her decision to appear topless, she pointed out that their objections actually affirmed her identity as a woman, since a man would not face the same level of criticism.</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden’s Pride event</strong></h2>

<p>The event, which aimed to demonstrate the Biden administration's support for the LGBTQ+ community, was hosted by President Joe Biden. In recent times, some Republican leaders at the state level have been advocating for restrictions on drag shows and limiting options for young individuals seeking to transition their gender.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-received-5-mn-in-bribery-scheme-with-ukrainian-gas-firm-report-602651"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Biden received $5mn in bribery scheme from Ukrainian gas firm executive: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>On Saturday, President Biden delivered a message of solidarity to the entire community, with a special emphasis on transgender children. He assured them, “You are loved. You are heard. You’re understood. And you belong.”</p>

<h2><strong>Conservatives launch attack on Joe Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Soon after the controversial video of Rose Montoya was out, the Biden administration was quickly attacked by Collin Rugg of the conservative outlet “Trending Politics.” He wrote on Twitter, “These are the ‘bravest and most inspiring’ people Biden has ever known,” adding that “The country you once knew is gone.”<br />
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Another right-wing account ‘The Libs of TikTok’ wrote that “This is a disgrace to our country.”<br />
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The White House has banned a transgender advocate who went topless at Saturday’s Pride event on the South Lawn. US President Joe Biden’s press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that attendees of the event, including trans advocate Rose Montoya, engaged in “inappropriate” behaviour, which was “unfair to the hundreds of attendees who were there to celebrate their families.

The White House has banned a transgender advocate who went topless at Saturday’s Pride event on the South Lawn. US President Joe Biden’s press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that attendees of the event, including trans advocate Rose Montoya, engaged in “inappropriate” behaviour, which was “unfair to the hundreds of attendees who were there to celebrate their families.” Watch: US President Joe Biden to visit India in September × She said this while referring to a video posted by Rose Montoya on social media which showed some attendees, including herself, removing their tops in front of the South Portico while dancing. Karine Jean-Pierre added, “Individuals in the video certainly will not be invited to future events.” Rose Montoya issues clarification Rose Montoya later in a video message clarified that she had no intentions of being vulgar and that she was just living her truth. “I had zero intention of trying to be vulgar or be profane in any way. I was simply living in joy, living my truth and existing in my body,” Montoya, who uses the pronouns she/they, said in the message. “Happy Pride, free the nipple,” she added. Free the nipple. pic.twitter.com/oEua3XYrwC — Rose Montoya 👑🌹 (@therosemontoya) June 13, 2023 × In response to critics who questioned her decision to appear topless, she pointed out that their objections actually affirmed her identity as a woman, since a man would not face the same level of criticism. Joe Biden’s Pride event The event, which aimed to demonstrate the Biden administration's support for the LGBTQ+ community, was hosted by President Joe Biden. In recent times, some Republican leaders at the state level have been advocating for restrictions on drag shows and limiting options for young individuals seeking to transition their gender. Also read: Biden received $5mn in bribery scheme from Ukrainian gas firm executive: Report On Saturday, President Biden delivered a message of solidarity to the entire community, with a special emphasis on transgender children. He assured them, “You are loved. You are heard. You’re understood. And you belong.” Conservatives launch attack on Joe Biden Soon after the controversial video of Rose Montoya was out, the Biden administration was quickly attacked by Collin Rugg of the conservative outlet “Trending Politics.” He wrote on Twitter, “These are the ‘bravest and most inspiring’ people Biden has ever known,” adding that “The country you once knew is gone.” Another right-wing account ‘The Libs of TikTok’ wrote that “This is a disgrace to our country.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

White House bans trans activist Rose Montoya after she goes topless at Pride event

<p>In Muslim-majority Bangladesh, transgender people are commonly known as <em>hijra</em>, a derogatory term. Considered a harbinger of bad omen they are despised in families as well as in society. Life has not been fair to them forcing them to become street beggars. The social rejection has led them to live in ghettos where many of them go to bed without a proper meal. This miserable living condition of the country’s third-sex population has started changing thanks to some humanitarian steps undertaken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.</p>

<p>Consider the gift a group of 15 transgender people received ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival the Muslims in Bangladesh celebrated in the last week of April. The transgender inhabitants at the remote northern village were overjoyed after receiving houses given free under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Ashrayan project. The project has been launched to provide government-built houses to homeless and landless people. For the first time, transgender people were included in the widely admired scheme.</p>

<p>“We used to live in the same flat in an extremely cramped condition with little privacy,” said Sumi Khan, a member of the 15-strong group. Their struggle to rent a house became almost impossible due to reservations entertained by rural folk about transgenders, as in most predominantly Muslim countries. This Eid, she said, heralded a new dawn in their lives, thanks to the first-of-its-kind housing scheme rolled out by the Prime Minister that seeks to ensure no one in her country remains homeless and landless.</p>

<p>“Now we can live a decent life owing to the residential scheme organised by the prime minister”, said an elated Sumi, adding “This priceless gift will change the course of our lives and ensure economic empowerment.” According to the population census published in July, Bangladesh has a little more than 12,000 transgender people among the national population of 170 million.</p>

<p>As society is still heavily prejudiced against the transgender community, most children born with this gender identity are driven out of their families and left with the only option of living in their own community, surviving mostly on the alms given by the people, according to rights activists. But with the inclusion of Sumi and her community under this comprehensive housing scheme, these decades-old dogmas are taking a hit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eight-killed-in-deadly-ethnic-clashes-in-bangladesh-police-on-toes-fearing-more-violence-580350">Eight killed in deadly ethnic clashes in Bangladesh, police on toes fearing more violence</a></strong><br />
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According to media reports, as of March this year, at least 140 transgender community people have been brought under the housing scheme across the country and they have now reportedly found new means of livelihood. Before this scheme, finding a permanent shelter was like chasing a distant dream for almost all of the beneficiaries, but now a glimmer of hope has dawned in their lives.</p>

<p>Official documents illustrating activities of the project shows a record number of 3.5 million lives that broke the cycle of poverty, thanks to allocation of houses among 7,00,000 families (or 3.5 million people) since the beginning of the project in 1997. Of the said number, over 5,00,000 families were endowed with a new home over the last three years, in sync with the announcement of the premier on the eve of the celebration of the birth centenary celebration of the country’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;"No one will remain homeless," announced the premier marking the anniversary.<br />
<br />
And the cluster of beneficiaries evolved into an inclusive model given all fragmented segments including families affected by global warming in coastal belts, ethnic minorities, ultra-poor, beggars, elderly people, widows, women abandoned by their husbands, insolvent freedom fighters, climate victims, transgender, Dalit, ethnic groups, persons with disabilities found shelter, let alone new means of living also. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Another remarkable aspect of this unique scheme has been the joint ownership of houses for the male and female beneficiaries. Domestic violence, coupled with discriminatory inheritance law and draconian religious dogmas, entrenched deeply within the societal fabric, held back the economic empowerment of half of the population — women — for decades.</p>

<p>But finally the gulf of odds are withering, with the rolling out of the initiative, led by the Premier herself, entitling women with land rights. The visionary move has yielded real and measurable gains, already a manifestation of turning Sheikh Hasina's electoral pledge of ensuring equal rights for women.</p>

<p>"I have a specific plan and I will reveal it in time," announced the premier in 2009 on her plan about empowering women with entitlement rights to property. &nbsp;Now a decade down the line, she has lived up to the promises with her pledge. Among all 7,00,000 families who found a shelter for a lifetime, the provision of joint ownership — husband and wife — have already made a remarkable impact on the lives of women and their children under the initiative.</p>

<p>As joint ownership ends the dominance of husbands to call the shots in day-to-day affairs, this new entitlement heralds a new dawn on the lives of female beneficiaries as they have found freedom to get involved in income-generating activities too. Despite the fact that the female labour force participation in rural areas has increased significantly in Bangladesh thanks to women's growing involvement in the agriculture sector and urban-rural migration brought on by the global coronavirus pandemic, a World Bank report, years back found among rural households that own agricultural land, only 13% of women have sole or joint ownership of agricultural land, compared to 70% of men.</p>

<p>Now gone are the days when a woman often requires the use of land rights through her relationship to a man – usually a husband or a father – those rights are subject to the continuation of that relationship. “It’s time to say goodbye to these threats from husbands that change in relationship status can jeopardise women’s rights over property and other assets,, thank you Premier, your vision gave a new meaning to our life and for the posterity ” added one beneficiary.</p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></p>

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In Muslim-majority Bangladesh, transgender people are commonly known as hijra, a derogatory term. Considered a harbinger of bad omen they are despised in families as well as in society.

In Muslim-majority Bangladesh, transgender people are commonly known as hijra, a derogatory term. Considered a harbinger of bad omen they are despised in families as well as in society. Life has not been fair to them forcing them to become street beggars. The social rejection has led them to live in ghettos where many of them go to bed without a proper meal. This miserable living condition of the country’s third-sex population has started changing thanks to some humanitarian steps undertaken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Consider the gift a group of 15 transgender people received ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival the Muslims in Bangladesh celebrated in the last week of April. The transgender inhabitants at the remote northern village were overjoyed after receiving houses given free under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Ashrayan project. The project has been launched to provide government-built houses to homeless and landless people. For the first time, transgender people were included in the widely admired scheme. “We used to live in the same flat in an extremely cramped condition with little privacy,” said Sumi Khan, a member of the 15-strong group. Their struggle to rent a house became almost impossible due to reservations entertained by rural folk about transgenders, as in most predominantly Muslim countries. This Eid, she said, heralded a new dawn in their lives, thanks to the first-of-its-kind housing scheme rolled out by the Prime Minister that seeks to ensure no one in her country remains homeless and landless. “Now we can live a decent life owing to the residential scheme organised by the prime minister”, said an elated Sumi, adding “This priceless gift will change the course of our lives and ensure economic empowerment.” According to the population census published in July, Bangladesh has a little more than 12,000 transgender people among the national population of 170 million. As society is still heavily prejudiced against the transgender community, most children born with this gender identity are driven out of their families and left with the only option of living in their own community, surviving mostly on the alms given by the people, according to rights activists. But with the inclusion of Sumi and her community under this comprehensive housing scheme, these decades-old dogmas are taking a hit. ALSO READ| Eight killed in deadly ethnic clashes in Bangladesh, police on toes fearing more violence According to media reports, as of March this year, at least 140 transgender community people have been brought under the housing scheme across the country and they have now reportedly found new means of livelihood. Before this scheme, finding a permanent shelter was like chasing a distant dream for almost all of the beneficiaries, but now a glimmer of hope has dawned in their lives. Official documents illustrating activities of the project shows a record number of 3.5 million lives that broke the cycle of poverty, thanks to allocation of houses among 7,00,000 families (or 3.5 million people) since the beginning of the project in 1997. Of the said number, over 5,00,000 families were endowed with a new home over the last three years, in sync with the announcement of the premier on the eve of the celebration of the birth centenary celebration of the country’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "No one will remain homeless," announced the premier marking the anniversary. And the cluster of beneficiaries evolved into an inclusive model given all fragmented segments including families affected by global warming in coastal belts, ethnic minorities, ultra-poor, beggars, elderly people, widows, women abandoned by their husbands, insolvent freedom fighters, climate victims, transgender, Dalit, ethnic groups, persons with disabilities found shelter, let alone new means of living also. Another remarkable aspect of this unique scheme has been the joint ownership of houses for the male and female beneficiaries. Domestic violence, coupled with discriminatory inheritance law and draconian religious dogmas, entrenched deeply within the societal fabric, held back the economic empowerment of half of the population — women — for decades. But finally the gulf of odds are withering, with the rolling out of the initiative, led by the Premier herself, entitling women with land rights. The visionary move has yielded real and measurable gains, already a manifestation of turning Sheikh Hasina's electoral pledge of ensuring equal rights for women. "I have a specific plan and I will reveal it in time," announced the premier in 2009 on her plan about empowering women with entitlement rights to property. Now a decade down the line, she has lived up to the promises with her pledge. Among all 7,00,000 families who found a shelter for a lifetime, the provision of joint ownership — husband and wife — have already made a remarkable impact on the lives of women and their children under the initiative. As joint ownership ends the dominance of husbands to call the shots in day-to-day affairs, this new entitlement heralds a new dawn on the lives of female beneficiaries as they have found freedom to get involved in income-generating activities too. Despite the fact that the female labour force participation in rural areas has increased significantly in Bangladesh thanks to women's growing involvement in the agriculture sector and urban-rural migration brought on by the global coronavirus pandemic, a World Bank report, years back found among rural households that own agricultural land, only 13% of women have sole or joint ownership of agricultural land, compared to 70% of men. Now gone are the days when a woman often requires the use of land rights through her relationship to a man – usually a husband or a father – those rights are subject to the continuation of that relationship. “It’s time to say goodbye to these threats from husbands that change in relationship status can jeopardise women’s rights over property and other assets,, thank you Premier, your vision gave a new meaning to our life and for the posterity ” added one beneficiary. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bangladesh transgender community: On the road to equality and progress

In a recent development, state politicians have for several years presented a variety of bills and legislation controlling the lives of transgender Americans as the discussions over transgender rights continue to boil in the United States. Texas is now the biggest state in the United States to prohibit young people's access to such care after Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved a law banning the treatment of transgender miners.

Texas governor signs law banning trans minor treatment

<p>Raegan Zelaya and Shua Wilmot, two workers&nbsp;at Houghton University in upstate New York have been fired for including pronouns at the end of their work emails and later ignoring&nbsp;the request to remove them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They both were fired from their&nbsp;residence hall directors position at the university in accordance with a&nbsp;newly-introduced university policy. Reportedly, Houghton University is affiliated with a&nbsp;conservative branch of the Methodist Church and it had asked the pair to remove the pronouns before taking the harsh call, just weeks before the end of the semester.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You previously tendered your resignation advising that you did not intend to return next year However, as a result of your refusal to remove pronouns in your email signature in violation of institutional policy, and false and defamatory statements attributed to you in the recent Star article, please be advised of the following: You are being relived of your duties effective immediately," read the university's termination letter to Zelaya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Zelaya used "she/her" pronouns,&nbsp;Wilmot used "he/him" to sign off their emails. They said they had&nbsp;professional, pastoral, and inclusive motivations for including their pronouns in the email but the university board saw things differently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it boils down to: They want to be trans-exclusive and they want to communicate that to potential students and the parents of potential students," Wilmot was quoted as saying by <em>New York Times</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's the professional piece to it, and the practical piece, and there's also an inclusive piece, and I think that's the piece this institution doesn't want," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-passes-bill-banning-transgender-students-from-womens-sports-584628"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports</strong></a></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Zelaya said, "We live in a very divided world right now where everything is this or that, right or left, conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat. As Christians, I think we've gotten so caught up in these ideas of, "This is what I should be advocating for or upset about," that we forget to actually care for people."</p>

<p>After the duo were let go, the university alumni filed a petition in protest with 600 signing it as well.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Conservatives vs trangenders</strong></h2>

<p>The banning of pronouns, gender-affirming care and restricting sports participation across US states is part of a national push by the conservatives to put restrictions on transgender people</p>

<p>Earlier this month,&nbsp;North Dakota Senate lawmakers passed a bill to ignore the pronouns the transgender students use.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/usa-north-dakota-implements-law-restricting-transgender-pronouns-bathroom-use-590491" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | USA: North Dakota implements law restricting transgender pronouns, bathroom use</strong></a></p>

<p>Overall, at least 16 states across the US have either restricted or banned gender-affirming care for minors, while at least eight states have enacted laws preventing transgender people from using the restrooms associated with their gender identities.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Raegan Zelaya and Shua Wilmot, two workers at Houghton University in upstate New York have been fired for including pronouns at the end of their work emails and later ignoring the request to remove them.

Raegan Zelaya and Shua Wilmot, two workers at Houghton University in upstate New York have been fired for including pronouns at the end of their work emails and later ignoring the request to remove them. They both were fired from their residence hall directors position at the university in accordance with a newly-introduced university policy. Reportedly, Houghton University is affiliated with a conservative branch of the Methodist Church and it had asked the pair to remove the pronouns before taking the harsh call, just weeks before the end of the semester. "You previously tendered your resignation advising that you did not intend to return next year However, as a result of your refusal to remove pronouns in your email signature in violation of institutional policy, and false and defamatory statements attributed to you in the recent Star article, please be advised of the following: You are being relived of your duties effective immediately," read the university's termination letter to Zelaya. While Zelaya used "she/her" pronouns, Wilmot used "he/him" to sign off their emails. They said they had professional, pastoral, and inclusive motivations for including their pronouns in the email but the university board saw things differently. "I think it boils down to: They want to be trans-exclusive and they want to communicate that to potential students and the parents of potential students," Wilmot was quoted as saying by New York Times. "There's the professional piece to it, and the practical piece, and there's also an inclusive piece, and I think that's the piece this institution doesn't want," he added. WATCH | US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports × Meanwhile, Zelaya said, "We live in a very divided world right now where everything is this or that, right or left, conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat. As Christians, I think we've gotten so caught up in these ideas of, "This is what I should be advocating for or upset about," that we forget to actually care for people." After the duo were let go, the university alumni filed a petition in protest with 600 signing it as well. Conservatives vs trangenders The banning of pronouns, gender-affirming care and restricting sports participation across US states is part of a national push by the conservatives to put restrictions on transgender people Earlier this month, North Dakota Senate lawmakers passed a bill to ignore the pronouns the transgender students use. ALSO READ | USA: North Dakota implements law restricting transgender pronouns, bathroom use Overall, at least 16 states across the US have either restricted or banned gender-affirming care for minors, while at least eight states have enacted laws preventing transgender people from using the restrooms associated with their gender identities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

USA: University fires two workers for putting pronouns in their email signatures

<p>The latest ad campaign of coffee giant Starbucks on transgenders triggered a controversy as many users called it a promotion of the “Woke culture” and the hashtag “Boycott Starbucks” trended on Twitter.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, a campaign was launched by the American coffeehouse chain with the title ‘it starts with your name’ to give a message of acceptance and inclusivity in society. Under the campaign, a video was shared by Starbucks India which featured a transgender woman who was meeting her parents at one of its outlets.<br />
<br />
In the video, a transgender woman with the name “Arpita” appears to be meeting her parents after a long time. The father of the woman looks upset over some situation, while the mother tries to calm him down.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/starbucks-new-ceo-laxman-narasimhan-says-will-work-as-a-barista-575107">Starbucks' new CEO Laxman Narasimhan says will work as a Barista</a></p>

<p>When Arpita reaches the coffee shop, she introduces herself to her parents as “Arpita and not Arpit”, which was her birth name. Her initially hesitant parents finally accept her actual identity and the ad ends with the three enjoying the Starbucks together after her father reassures her, “You will always be my child. Just a single letter has been added to your name.”<br />
<br />
Starbucks India captioned the viral post, “Your name defines who you are – whether it’s Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. #ItStartsWithYourName.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Your name defines who you are - whether it's Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItStartsWithYourName?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ItStartsWithYourName</a>. 💚 <a href="https://t.co/DKNGhKZ1Hg">pic.twitter.com/DKNGhKZ1Hg</a></p>
— Starbucks India (@StarbucksIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarbucksIndia/status/1656133960924012545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Instantly, the campaign faced severe backlash on Twitter, as people criticised it for promoting the “Woke culture”.<br />
<br />
“Fail to understand the need for a multinational to get into sensitive topics in a country of hypersensitive people. Huge dent in the brand!!”, wrote a user. Starbucks be like “We are WOKEs! So let’s all be WOKEs together!!”, another user said.<br />
<br />
“Tata is big time woke. They own Starbucks, Tanishq (remember that ad?). They fund The Wire, Harvard, Cornell, etc. But are smart enough to sell their products with nationalism (desh ka namak, desh ke truck, army themed ads). Funds all political parties good as well,” wrote a social media user.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tata is big time woke. They own Starbucks, Tanishq (remember that ad?). They fund The Wire, Harvard, Cornell, etc. But are smart enough to sell their products with nationalism (desh ka namak, desh ke truck, army themed ads). Funds all political parties good as well.</p>
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) <a href="https://twitter.com/theskindoctor13/status/1656594686331748353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Seriously, we will deal with our issues when they come up; the last thing I need is preaching by a Western MNC. You take care of serving coffee,” commented another user.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ve never been to Starbucks. Nor am I going to be there ever. These propaganda resonates with only 10% Indian population. Take this down or do business with only 10% of India.</p>
— Chow (@Lokatochupake) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lokatochupake/status/1656538787453997056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>However, some netizens even applauded Starbucks for coming up with such a campaign. “Dear Starbucks, These days common sense is very uncommon so some bigots won't understand the emotion. This is an incredible ad so let's hope that the LGBTQ+ community finds more such allies,” wrote a user in support of the campaign.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Starbucks,<br />
<br />
These days common sense is very uncommon so some bigots wont understand the emotion.<br />
<br />
This is an incredible ad so let's hope that the LGBTQ+ community finds more such allies .</p>
— Vimal (@VimalINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/VimalINC/status/1656991129357926401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Can't believe people have problem with this ad too? We becoming so rigid to our belief systems that anything that tries to show us the other side will be trolled and abused. A society damaged beyond repair.</p>
— Parikshit Shah (@imparixit) <a href="https://twitter.com/imparixit/status/1657024707974115330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The campaign has been launched at a time when the issue of legalising same-sex marriage is being debated in the Supreme Court and the decision over the matter is yet to come.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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The latest ad campaign of coffee giant Starbucks on transgenders triggered a controversy as many users called it a promotion of the “Woke culture” and the hashtag “Boycott Starbucks” trended on Twitter.

The latest ad campaign of coffee giant Starbucks on transgenders triggered a controversy as many users called it a promotion of the “Woke culture” and the hashtag “Boycott Starbucks” trended on Twitter. On Wednesday, a campaign was launched by the American coffeehouse chain with the title ‘it starts with your name’ to give a message of acceptance and inclusivity in society. Under the campaign, a video was shared by Starbucks India which featured a transgender woman who was meeting her parents at one of its outlets. In the video, a transgender woman with the name “Arpita” appears to be meeting her parents after a long time. The father of the woman looks upset over some situation, while the mother tries to calm him down. ALSO READ | Starbucks' new CEO Laxman Narasimhan says will work as a Barista When Arpita reaches the coffee shop, she introduces herself to her parents as “Arpita and not Arpit”, which was her birth name. Her initially hesitant parents finally accept her actual identity and the ad ends with the three enjoying the Starbucks together after her father reassures her, “You will always be my child. Just a single letter has been added to your name.” Starbucks India captioned the viral post, “Your name defines who you are – whether it’s Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. #ItStartsWithYourName.” Your name defines who you are - whether it's Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. #ItStartsWithYourName. 💚 pic.twitter.com/DKNGhKZ1Hg — Starbucks India (@StarbucksIndia) May 10, 2023 × Instantly, the campaign faced severe backlash on Twitter, as people criticised it for promoting the “Woke culture”. “Fail to understand the need for a multinational to get into sensitive topics in a country of hypersensitive people. Huge dent in the brand!!”, wrote a user. Starbucks be like “We are WOKEs! So let’s all be WOKEs together!!”, another user said. “Tata is big time woke. They own Starbucks, Tanishq (remember that ad?). They fund The Wire, Harvard, Cornell, etc. But are smart enough to sell their products with nationalism (desh ka namak, desh ke truck, army themed ads). Funds all political parties good as well,” wrote a social media user. Tata is big time woke. They own Starbucks, Tanishq (remember that ad?). They fund The Wire, Harvard, Cornell, etc. But are smart enough to sell their products with nationalism (desh ka namak, desh ke truck, army themed ads). Funds all political parties good as well. — THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) May 11, 2023 × “Seriously, we will deal with our issues when they come up; the last thing I need is preaching by a Western MNC. You take care of serving coffee,” commented another user. I’ve never been to Starbucks. Nor am I going to be there ever. These propaganda resonates with only 10% Indian population. Take this down or do business with only 10% of India. — Chow (@Lokatochupake) May 11, 2023 × ALSO WATCH | However, some netizens even applauded Starbucks for coming up with such a campaign. “Dear Starbucks, These days common sense is very uncommon so some bigots won't understand the emotion. This is an incredible ad so let's hope that the LGBTQ+ community finds more such allies,” wrote a user in support of the campaign. Dear Starbucks, These days common sense is very uncommon so some bigots wont understand the emotion. This is an incredible ad so let's hope that the LGBTQ+ community finds more such allies . — Vimal (@VimalINC) May 12, 2023 × Can't believe people have problem with this ad too? We becoming so rigid to our belief systems that anything that tries to show us the other side will be trolled and abused. A society damaged beyond repair. — Parikshit Shah (@imparixit) May 12, 2023 × The campaign has been launched at a time when the issue of legalising same-sex marriage is being debated in the Supreme Court and the decision over the matter is yet to come. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'It Starts With Your Name' | 'Boycott Starbucks' trends over coffee giant's viral transgender ad

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