<p>A group of transgenders, who were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/sabarimala-verdict-missteps-on-gods-stairway-172050">on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here</a>, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday.</p>

<p>The transgenders alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue.</p>

<p>Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika were dressed in black sarees, the traditional pilgrim attire, and were carrying the customary 'irumudikettu' (sacred offerings to God).</p>

<p>They said they reached here in the early hours but the police was reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further.</p>

<p>They alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ananya said they did not want to change the saree.</p>

<p>"The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said.</p>

<p>The devotee also said they would approach the high court against the police's move.</p>

<p>However, Kottayam Superintendent of Police S Harishankar rejected the charges of harassment and said everyone had the right to offer prayers at Sabarimala.</p>

<p>"We need to get some more legal clarity in this regard. So, we will approach the high court-appointed panel and seek their advice," he told reporters.</p>

<p>The state had witnessed massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement a Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups into the shrine.</p>

<p>Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills due to furious protests by devotees and right-wing groups.&nbsp;</p>


A group of transgenders, who were on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday.

A group of transgenders, who were on their way to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple, were stopped here, around 60 km from the shrine, and sent back by police Sunday. The transgenders alleged that the police harassed them and said they were not banned from darshan at the shrine, but the police said there was a need to get some legal clarity in this issue. Ananya, Trupti, Renjumol and Avanthika were dressed in black sarees, the traditional pilgrim attire, and were carrying the customary 'irumudikettu' (sacred offerings to God). They said they reached here in the early hours but the police was reluctant to provide them security and permission to proceed further. They alleged that the Erumeli Police even asked them to change into male attire for proceeding to the Lord Ayyappa temple. Ananya said they did not want to change the saree. "The ban on menstruating women is not applicable to us. Though we have told this to the police, they were not ready to allow us to proceed further. They harassed us mentally and forced us to wear a male dress," Ananya said. The devotee also said they would approach the high court against the police's move. However, Kottayam Superintendent of Police S Harishankar rejected the charges of harassment and said everyone had the right to offer prayers at Sabarimala. "We need to get some more legal clarity in this regard. So, we will approach the high court-appointed panel and seek their advice," he told reporters. The state had witnessed massive protests by Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the Kerala government decided to implement a Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups into the shrine. Over a dozen women have so far made unsuccessful attempts to trek the holy hills due to furious protests by devotees and right-wing groups.

Now, transgenders en route to Sabarimala sent back by police

<p>Caitlyn Jenner, America`s best-known transgender celebrity, said on Thursday that she had been wrong to support President Donald Trump, saying he had insulted the transgender community and turned them into political pawns.<br />
<br />
Jenner, 68, who announced her transition from Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn in 2015, voted for Republican Trump in the 2016 presidential election despite criticism from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.<br />
<br />
In an opinion piece for the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she had hoped to work with Trump and Republican policymakers to support transgender people.<br />
<br />
"Sadly, I was wrong. The reality is that the trans community is being relentlessly attacked by this president.<br />
<br />
"He has ignored our humanity. He has insulted our dignity. He has made trans people into political pawns as he whips up animus against us in an attempt to energize the most right-wing segment of his party," Jenner wrote.<br />
<br />
Jenner`s opinion piece was published after a report this week that the Trump administration was attempting to create a narrow definition of gender as being only male or female and unchangeable once it is determined at birth.<br />
<br />
"It is unacceptable, it is upsetting, and it has deeply, personally hurt me," wrote Jenner, the former patriarch on reality television show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."<br />
<br />
Jenner and rapper Kanye West who is married to Kim Kardashian have been two of the biggest celebrity supporters of Trump.<br />
<br />
But she wrote on Thursday, "I cannot support anyone who is working against our community. I do not support Trump. I must learn from my mistakes and move forward."&nbsp;<br />
Jenner was not immediately available for further comment.</p>


Caitlyn Jenner, America`s best-known transgender celebrity, said on Thursday that she had been wrong to support President Donald Trump, saying he had insulted the transgender community and turned them into political pawns.

Caitlyn Jenner, America`s best-known transgender celebrity, said on Thursday that she had been wrong to support President Donald Trump, saying he had insulted the transgender community and turned them into political pawns. Jenner, 68, who announced her transition from Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn in 2015, voted for Republican Trump in the 2016 presidential election despite criticism from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. In an opinion piece for the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she had hoped to work with Trump and Republican policymakers to support transgender people. "Sadly, I was wrong. The reality is that the trans community is being relentlessly attacked by this president. "He has ignored our humanity. He has insulted our dignity. He has made trans people into political pawns as he whips up animus against us in an attempt to energize the most right-wing segment of his party," Jenner wrote. Jenner`s opinion piece was published after a report this week that the Trump administration was attempting to create a narrow definition of gender as being only male or female and unchangeable once it is determined at birth. "It is unacceptable, it is upsetting, and it has deeply, personally hurt me," wrote Jenner, the former patriarch on reality television show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." Jenner and rapper Kanye West who is married to Kim Kardashian have been two of the biggest celebrity supporters of Trump. But she wrote on Thursday, "I cannot support anyone who is working against our community. I do not support Trump. I must learn from my mistakes and move forward." Jenner was not immediately available for further comment.

Trump has ignored our humanity: American transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner

<p>Thirteen members of the transgender community will be contesting the&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;elections on various seats across Pakistan, the All Pakistan Transgender Election Network (Apten) said today.</p>

<p>It said two transgender leaders - Nayab Ali and Lubna Lal - will contest on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Gulalai (PTI-G) tickets, while the remaining 11 candidates will run as independents, Dawn reported.</p>

<p>However, they said, at least two transgender people - one in Peshawar and another in Haripur - were unable to submit nomination papers because they were beaten up and harassed after their intentions to contest elections became public knowledge.</p>

<p>Apten, a rights group focusing on the invisibility of leaders from the transgender community, comprises TransAction KP, the Sindh Transgender Welfare Network, the Balochistan Alliance for Transgender and Intersex Community and the Punjab Transgender Foundation.</p>

<p>The group, led by TransAction KP President Farzana Jan, also demanded removal of systemic barriers to entry of transgender people into politics, and for political parties to induct more members of the community into their ranks.</p>

<p>It said the network would form its own political party after the elections. The group said that it was aiming for the party to be registered before local body elections.</p>

<p>In 2009, Pakistan became one of the first countries in the world to legally recognise a third sex, allowing transgenders to obtain identity cards. They number at least half a million people in the country, according to several studies, but their representation in politics and many other spheres of life remains negligible.</p>


It said two transgender leaders - Nayab Ali and Lubna Lal - will contest on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Gulalai (PTI-G) tickets

Thirteen members of the transgender community will be contesting the July 25 elections on various seats across Pakistan, the All Pakistan Transgender Election Network (Apten) said today. It said two transgender leaders - Nayab Ali and Lubna Lal - will contest on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Gulalai (PTI-G) tickets, while the remaining 11 candidates will run as independents, Dawn reported. However, they said, at least two transgender people - one in Peshawar and another in Haripur - were unable to submit nomination papers because they were beaten up and harassed after their intentions to contest elections became public knowledge. Apten, a rights group focusing on the invisibility of leaders from the transgender community, comprises TransAction KP, the Sindh Transgender Welfare Network, the Balochistan Alliance for Transgender and Intersex Community and the Punjab Transgender Foundation. The group, led by TransAction KP President Farzana Jan, also demanded removal of systemic barriers to entry of transgender people into politics, and for political parties to induct more members of the community into their ranks. It said the network would form its own political party after the elections. The group said that it was aiming for the party to be registered before local body elections. In 2009, Pakistan became one of the first countries in the world to legally recognise a third sex, allowing transgenders to obtain identity cards. They number at least half a million people in the country, according to several studies, but their representation in politics and many other spheres of life remains negligible.

13 transgenders to contest July 25 elections in Pakistan

<p>The government has amended Income Tax rules that will now allow transgenders to be recognised as an independent category of applicants for obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for their tax-related transactions.</p>

<p>As per reports, Form 49A and 49AA will now have an option of transgender along with 'Male'and 'Female'category. Aadhaar and voter ID cards already have the 'third gender'option.</p>

<p>Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which is responsible for framing a policy for the department, had earlier issued a notification on Monday, April 9, providing a new tick box for transgenders to apply for PAN.&nbsp</p>

<p>The notification, issued under sections 139A and 295 of the Income Tax Act, specifies the new application process for obtaining a PAN number by an individual.</p>

<p>"Individuals from the transgender community were facing hassles in obtaining a PAN card and this problem was further magnified as Aadhaar had the third gender category but not PAN. "Hence, the transgenders were not able to link their PAN with their Aadhaar due to this anomaly," the official said.</p>

<p>Also, transgenders who are eligible to file income tax returns (ITR) were likely to face similar problems of their return not being processed by the tax department as the PAN would not have linked with Aadhaar due to mismatch in gender details.</p>

<p>The government has now made quoting of Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns as well as obtaining a new PAN.</p>

<p>Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act says that every person having PAN as on July 1, 2017, and eligible to obtain Aadhaar, must intimate his Aadhaar number to the tax authorities.&nbsp</p>


Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which is responsible for framing a policy for the department, had earlier issued a notification on Monday, April 9, providing a new tick box for transgenders to apply for PAN

The government has amended Income Tax rules that will now allow transgenders to be recognised as an independent category of applicants for obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for their tax-related transactions. As per reports, Form 49A and 49AA will now have an option of transgender along with 'Male'and 'Female'category. Aadhaar and voter ID cards already have the 'third gender'option. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which is responsible for framing a policy for the department, had earlier issued a notification on Monday, April 9, providing a new tick box for transgenders to apply for PAN. The notification, issued under sections 139A and 295 of the Income Tax Act, specifies the new application process for obtaining a PAN number by an individual. "Individuals from the transgender community were facing hassles in obtaining a PAN card and this problem was further magnified as Aadhaar had the third gender category but not PAN. "Hence, the transgenders were not able to link their PAN with their Aadhaar due to this anomaly," the official said. Also, transgenders who are eligible to file income tax returns (ITR) were likely to face similar problems of their return not being processed by the tax department as the PAN would not have linked with Aadhaar due to mismatch in gender details. The government has now made quoting of Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns as well as obtaining a new PAN. Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act says that every person having PAN as on July 1, 2017, and eligible to obtain Aadhaar, must intimate his Aadhaar number to the tax authorities.

Transgenders can now issue PAN cards under 'Independent' gender category

<p>Transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard withdrew midway through the Commonwealth Games tournament on Monday despite leading the standings after the snatch in the 90kg-plus division.</p>

<p>The 40-year-old suffered an elbow injury when attempting a Commonwealth record 132kg in the snatch when leading the women's 90kg-plus division.</p>

<p>She lifted 120kg in her first attempt, then stupmed at 127kg, Hubbard raised the weight another 5kg for her third attempt to break her own record of 131kg.</p>

<p>Shortly into the clean and jerk component, it was announced that Hubbard had declined her lifts.</p>

<p><img alt="Untitled design (9).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="450" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design%20(9).jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>The New Zealander, who lived as Gavin Hubbard until four years ago and competed at national level as a man, finished second in the women's super-heavyweights behind American Sarah Robles at the world championships in December.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg called on her nation to support the lifter.</p>

<p><img alt="Untitled design (10).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="450" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design%20(10).jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>"I hope all New Zealanders... would get behind one of their athletes that has gone through the pathway to achieve greatness, and within the rules of the sport," Grevemberg told reporters.</p>

<p>Hubbard was cleared by the International Weightlifting Federation to compete in women's tournaments last year. Hubbard was a silver medallist at last year's world championships in the United States and was a dominant favourite to win gold on Monday.&nbsp;</p>


The 40-year-old suffered an elbow injury when attempting a Commonwealth record 132kg in the snatch when leading the women's 90kg-plus division

Transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard withdrew midway through the Commonwealth Games tournament on Monday despite leading the standings after the snatch in the 90kg-plus division. The 40-year-old suffered an elbow injury when attempting a Commonwealth record 132kg in the snatch when leading the women's 90kg-plus division. She lifted 120kg in her first attempt, then stupmed at 127kg, Hubbard raised the weight another 5kg for her third attempt to break her own record of 131kg. Shortly into the clean and jerk component, it was announced that Hubbard had declined her lifts. The New Zealander, who lived as Gavin Hubbard until four years ago and competed at national level as a man, finished second in the women's super-heavyweights behind American Sarah Robles at the world championships in December. Earlier on Monday, Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg called on her nation to support the lifter. "I hope all New Zealanders... would get behind one of their athletes that has gone through the pathway to achieve greatness, and within the rules of the sport," Grevemberg told reporters. Hubbard was cleared by the International Weightlifting Federation to compete in women's tournaments last year. Hubbard was a silver medallist at last year's world championships in the United States and was a dominant favourite to win gold on Monday.

CWG 2018: New Zealand transgender weightlifter withdraws mid-event

<p>Walking on the path of social reform, Pakistan is to inaugurate country's first ever institute for educational and vocational training for transgender community.</p>

<p>Named The Gender Guardian, the school offers a full 12 years of academic education from the primary level to matriculation, and then leading up to college.</p>

<p>As per a news report by the Dawn on Friday, The Gender Guardian school will be inaugurated on April 15 at Lahore under the aegis of Asif Shahzad, who is also school's founder.</p>

<p>The school has been built by an NGO named Exploring Future Foundation which is set to open two more branches of the school in Islamabad and Karachi</p>

<p>The school will also impart technical education, such as fashion designing, beautician and hair styling courses, graphic designing, computer and mobile repairing, among others.</p>

<p>It will have separate wings for primary, matriculation and also graduation-level classes.</p>

<p>Shahzad said that the school has 15 faculty members — three of whom themselves are from the transgender community.</p>

<p>Shahzad said," School has 15 faculty members three of whom themselves are from the transgender community".</p>

<p>The management said that more than 40 aspiring students from the transgender community have already registered with the soon-to-be operational school and will be a part of the opening batch.</p>

<p>The school will be formally launched through an opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore's Alhamra Hall, with several names from the showbiz industry expected to attend.</p>


The Gender Guardian school will be inaugurated on April 15 at Lahore under the aegis of Asif Shahzad, who is also school's founder

Walking on the path of social reform, Pakistan is to inaugurate country's first ever institute for educational and vocational training for transgender community. Named The Gender Guardian, the school offers a full 12 years of academic education from the primary level to matriculation, and then leading up to college. As per a news report by the Dawn on Friday, The Gender Guardian school will be inaugurated on April 15 at Lahore under the aegis of Asif Shahzad, who is also school's founder. The school has been built by an NGO named Exploring Future Foundation which is set to open two more branches of the school in Islamabad and Karachi The school will also impart technical education, such as fashion designing, beautician and hair styling courses, graphic designing, computer and mobile repairing, among others. It will have separate wings for primary, matriculation and also graduation-level classes. Shahzad said that the school has 15 faculty members — three of whom themselves are from the transgender community. Shahzad said," School has 15 faculty members three of whom themselves are from the transgender community". The management said that more than 40 aspiring students from the transgender community have already registered with the soon-to-be operational school and will be a part of the opening batch. The school will be formally launched through an opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore's Alhamra Hall, with several names from the showbiz industry expected to attend.

Pakistan to open its first school for transgenders

<p>The Social Justice ministry has sent a Bill on transgender rights to the Cabinet after finalising nine amendments, including those in the definition of the term &#39;transgender&#39;, keeping with the recommendations of a parliamentary panel.</p>

<p>The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill that has undergone inter-ministerial consultation and was vetted by the law ministry has been sent to the Cabinet, a senior ministry official said.</p>

<p>The earlier definition of a transgender was &quot;neither wholly male nor female, a combination of female or male, or neither female nor male and whose sense of gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at the time of birth&quot;, has been removed, as per the advice of the standing committee, he said.</p>

<p>The official said according to the new definition proposed in the Bill, &quot;a transgender means a person whose gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at birth and includes trans-man or trans-women (whether or not such persons has undergone sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy or laser therapy or such other therapy)&quot;.</p>

<p>It also includes person with intersex variations, gender-queer and person having such socio-cultural identities such as &#39;kinnar&#39;, &#39;hijra&#39;, &#39;aravani&#39; and &#39;jogta&#39;, he said.</p>

<p>The ministry has also done away with the provision of recommendation required from district screening committees for issuing certificate, if a transgender undergoes a surgery to change his or her gender.</p>

<p>A transgender, who has already been issued a certificate and undergoes a surgery to his or her gender, may now get a it from the medical superintendent or chief medical officer, authenticating the same to make an application to the district magistrate for a revised certificate.</p>

<p>&quot;The district magistrate on receipt of an application and after being satisfied will issue a certificate indicating change in gender in such form and manner and within such time, as may be prescribed,&quot; the official said.</p>

<p>The standing committee had called for removing some provisions after hearing the contentions of the stakeholders that transgenders were reluctant to undergo physical examination in front of the district screening committee for a certificate.</p>

<p>&quot;The standing committee wondered why will the same person would apply again for a certificate and undergo the same procedure which he went earlier,&quot; the official said.</p>

<p>Besides, now every establishment, irrespective of how many people are employed there, will have to designate a officer to deal with complaints, he said. Earlier, establishments of 100 or more people had to designate a complaint officer.</p>

<p>The standing committee had expressed dismay over the functions of the national council for redressal of grievances of transgenders not being precisely mentioned, the officials said.</p>

<p>It had recommended that the council be vested with more power and that its powers and functions be elaborated, he said.</p>

<p>Following this, the Centre has specified that the council will advise the central government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects for transgenders, the official said.</p>

<p>The ministry did not make any changes on the recommendation that transgenders be exempted from Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalises homosexuality and including them in the other backward classes category.</p>

<p>The council will also monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and programmes designed for achieving equality and full participation of transgenders, review and coordinate the activities of all departments and NGOs, redress grievances among others.&nbsp;</p>


The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill that has undergone inter-ministerial consultation

The Social Justice ministry has sent a Bill on transgender rights to the Cabinet after finalising nine amendments, including those in the definition of the term 'transgender', keeping with the recommendations of a parliamentary panel. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill that has undergone inter-ministerial consultation and was vetted by the law ministry has been sent to the Cabinet, a senior ministry official said. The earlier definition of a transgender was "neither wholly male nor female, a combination of female or male, or neither female nor male and whose sense of gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at the time of birth", has been removed, as per the advice of the standing committee, he said. The official said according to the new definition proposed in the Bill, "a transgender means a person whose gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at birth and includes trans-man or trans-women (whether or not such persons has undergone sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy or laser therapy or such other therapy)". It also includes person with intersex variations, gender-queer and person having such socio-cultural identities such as 'kinnar', 'hijra', 'aravani' and 'jogta', he said. The ministry has also done away with the provision of recommendation required from district screening committees for issuing certificate, if a transgender undergoes a surgery to change his or her gender. A transgender, who has already been issued a certificate and undergoes a surgery to his or her gender, may now get a it from the medical superintendent or chief medical officer, authenticating the same to make an application to the district magistrate for a revised certificate. "The district magistrate on receipt of an application and after being satisfied will issue a certificate indicating change in gender in such form and manner and within such time, as may be prescribed," the official said. The standing committee had called for removing some provisions after hearing the contentions of the stakeholders that transgenders were reluctant to undergo physical examination in front of the district screening committee for a certificate. "The standing committee wondered why will the same person would apply again for a certificate and undergo the same procedure which he went earlier," the official said. Besides, now every establishment, irrespective of how many people are employed there, will have to designate a officer to deal with complaints, he said. Earlier, establishments of 100 or more people had to designate a complaint officer. The standing committee had expressed dismay over the functions of the national council for redressal of grievances of transgenders not being precisely mentioned, the officials said. It had recommended that the council be vested with more power and that its powers and functions be elaborated, he said. Following this, the Centre has specified that the council will advise the central government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects for transgenders, the official said. The ministry did not make any changes on the recommendation that transgenders be exempted from Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalises homosexuality and including them in the other backward classes category. The council will also monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and programmes designed for achieving equality and full participation of transgenders, review and coordinate the activities of all departments and NGOs, redress grievances among others.

Bill on transgender rights sent to Cabinet

<p>Google Doodle celebrated International Women&#39;s Day with 12 different powerful doodles compiled in one main doodle on Thursday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tCgXWY5z9Tc" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The doodle is featuring doodles made by twelve artists from twelve different countries.</p>

<p>The search engine had asked artists to contribute and illustrate the reflections of their own personal experiences as women.</p>

<p>The brief that was given to the artists was &#39;growth&#39;.</p>

<p>Reportedly the illustrators who made these colourful comics are from Japan, England, Brazil, Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, America, India, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, and Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each doodle tells a&nbsp;story of a moment, an event or a person that made an impact on their life the most, and portrays the different generation&nbsp;of women at various times in their life.</p>

<p>Stories related to a moment of becoming a mother to narrating the experience of&nbsp;coming&nbsp;out&nbsp;as a&nbsp;transgender woman.</p>


Google had asked artists to contribute and illustrate the reflections of their own personal experiences as women

Google Doodle celebrated International Women's Day with 12 different powerful doodles compiled in one main doodle on Thursday. × The doodle is featuring doodles made by twelve artists from twelve different countries. The search engine had asked artists to contribute and illustrate the reflections of their own personal experiences as women. The brief that was given to the artists was 'growth'. Reportedly the illustrators who made these colourful comics are from Japan, England, Brazil, Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, America, India, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, and Italy. Each doodle tells a story of a moment, an event or a person that made an impact on their life the most, and portrays the different generation of women at various times in their life. Stories related to a moment of becoming a mother to narrating the experience of coming out as a transgender woman.

Watch: Google celebrates International Women's Day with twelve doodles

<p>The 90th Oscars was a night of many firsts. One such moment was when Daniela Vega came on stage to introduce a performance by Sufjan Stevens, whose song <em>Mystery of Love</em>&nbsp;from the <em>Call Me By Your Name</em>&nbsp;soundtrack was nominated for the best original song.<br />
<br />
On Sunday night, Daniela Vega became the first openly transgender person to present at the big ceremony.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On stage, Vega acknowledged the importance of her presence on stage. &quot;Thank you so much for this moment,&quot; she said before introducing Stevens.<br />
<br />
The night was special for Vega as <em>A Fantastic Woman</em>, a Chilean film about a trans woman mourning the death of her partner, won the award for best foreign language film. Vega has played the lead role in the film.&nbsp;</p>


The 90th Oscars was a night of many firsts.

The 90th Oscars was a night of many firsts. One such moment was when Daniela Vega came on stage to introduce a performance by Sufjan Stevens, whose song Mystery of Love from the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack was nominated for the best original song. On Sunday night, Daniela Vega became the first openly transgender person to present at the big ceremony. On stage, Vega acknowledged the importance of her presence on stage. "Thank you so much for this moment," she said before introducing Stevens. The night was special for Vega as A Fantastic Woman, a Chilean film about a trans woman mourning the death of her partner, won the award for best foreign language film. Vega has played the lead role in the film.

Daniela Vega became the first transgender to present at the Oscars

<p>The Supreme Court to hear the writ petition filed by trans-woman Shanavi Ponnusamy, who alleged Air India, refused her a job due to her gender, on March 5.</p>

<p>On February 14, Ponnusamy wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking permission for mercy killing as she was allegedly refused the job of cabin crew in Air India due to her gender.</p>

<p>Sanavi Ponnusami has alleged that Air India rejected her, telling her that they don&#39;t have a category for trans-women.</p>

<p>She had said that her living condition is not great and can&#39;t afford advocates to fight a case, as the Supreme Court listens to cases like hers.</p>

<p>She approached the Apex Court against the alleged discrimination in 2017.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On February 14, Ponnusamy wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking permission for mercy killing as she was allegedly refused the job of cabin crew in Air India due to her gender

The Supreme Court to hear the writ petition filed by trans-woman Shanavi Ponnusamy, who alleged Air India, refused her a job due to her gender, on March 5. On February 14, Ponnusamy wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking permission for mercy killing as she was allegedly refused the job of cabin crew in Air India due to her gender. Sanavi Ponnusami has alleged that Air India rejected her, telling her that they don't have a category for trans-women. She had said that her living condition is not great and can't afford advocates to fight a case, as the Supreme Court listens to cases like hers. She approached the Apex Court against the alleged discrimination in 2017.

Supreme Court to hear writ petition by trans-woman Shanavi Ponnusamy

<p>The Australian Football League has agreed to let a transgender player participate in the country`s second-tier state women`s competition while the governing body considers its gender diversity policy for the national league.</p>

<p>Hannah Mouncey, a former national men`s handball representative, last October lost her bid to take part in the AFL Women`s (AFLW) national draft, barring her from the 2018 elite-level season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several clubs had reportedly shown interest in drafting Mouncey, who is 1.90 metres tall (6ft 2in).</p>

<p>The league ruled her out due to the advantage her physical strength and stamina would have over opponents in the newly formed semi-professional competition but left the door ajar for this year`s draft as it finalises its gender diversity policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday the AFL made a landmark recommendation clearing Mouncey to play in the country`s second-tier state competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pioneering transgender player welcomed the decision but described the last four months of deliberation as a &quot;circus&quot;, with a lack of understanding of the science of gender transition.</p>

<p>&quot;I welcome the AFL`s decision, and I look forward to hopefully playing this season,&quot; Mouncey said in a Twitter statement.</p>

<p>But she added: &quot;I will not and I think it would be highly inappropriate for me to thank the AFL for allowing me to do something open to every other Australian, which the science and the research has supported all along.&quot;</p>

<p>The AFL in 2017 introduced a semi-professional national women`s league, which has been heralded as a pioneer for inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.</p>

<p>The national league said Tuesday it was still finalising its gender diversity policy, noting the International Olympic Committee was also reviewing its guidelines on trans participation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission were also working on a framework for trans and gender participation in Australian sport more generally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We are committed to inclusion, and want all Australians to be able to play or participate in our game,&quot; AFL inclusion and social policy manager Tanya Hosch said in a statement.</p>


Hannah Mouncey, a former national men`s handball representative, last October lost her bid to take part in the AFL Women`s (AFLW) national draft, barring her from the 2018 elite-level season

The Australian Football League has agreed to let a transgender player participate in the country`s second-tier state women`s competition while the governing body considers its gender diversity policy for the national league. Hannah Mouncey, a former national men`s handball representative, last October lost her bid to take part in the AFL Women`s (AFLW) national draft, barring her from the 2018 elite-level season. Several clubs had reportedly shown interest in drafting Mouncey, who is 1.90 metres tall (6ft 2in). The league ruled her out due to the advantage her physical strength and stamina would have over opponents in the newly formed semi-professional competition but left the door ajar for this year`s draft as it finalises its gender diversity policy. On Tuesday the AFL made a landmark recommendation clearing Mouncey to play in the country`s second-tier state competition. The pioneering transgender player welcomed the decision but described the last four months of deliberation as a "circus", with a lack of understanding of the science of gender transition. "I welcome the AFL`s decision, and I look forward to hopefully playing this season," Mouncey said in a Twitter statement. But she added: "I will not and I think it would be highly inappropriate for me to thank the AFL for allowing me to do something open to every other Australian, which the science and the research has supported all along." The AFL in 2017 introduced a semi-professional national women`s league, which has been heralded as a pioneer for inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport. The national league said Tuesday it was still finalising its gender diversity policy, noting the International Olympic Committee was also reviewing its guidelines on trans participation. It added the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission were also working on a framework for trans and gender participation in Australian sport more generally. "We are committed to inclusion, and want all Australians to be able to play or participate in our game," AFL inclusion and social policy manager Tanya Hosch said in a statement.

Australian Football League Rules allows transgender player at state level

<p>Transgender whistleblower Chelsea Manning, jailed for leaking classified information, is seeking election in the US state of Maryland, a document seen on Saturday says.</p>

<p>The Federal Election Commission document, filed Thursday, lists Chelsea Elizabeth Manning of North Bethesda, Maryland, as a Democratic candidate for the United States senate.</p>

<p>Manning, now 30, was an army intelligence analyst sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 for leaking more than 700,000 classified documents related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The revelations by Manning, then known as Bradley Manning, exposed covered-up misdeeds and possible crimes by US troops and allies.</p>

<p>Her actions made Manning a hero to anti-war and anti-secrecy activists but US establishment figures branded her a traitor.</p>

<p>Then-president Barack Obama commuted Manning&#39;s sentence, leading to her release in May.</p>

<p>During her incarceration, Manning battled for, and won, the right to start hormone treatment. On Twitter, she identifies herself as a &quot;trans woman,&quot; and carries the slogan: &quot;Make powerful people angry.&quot;</p>

<p>The Democratic Senate incumbent is Ben Cardin, who was first elected in 2006 and is the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.</p>

<p>In elections last year, transgender candidate Danika Roem was elected to the Virginia state House of Delegates, becoming the first openly transgender lawmaker in the United States.</p>

<p>US President Donald Trump has labeled Manning a traitor.</p>

<p>He also tried to bar transgender personnel from the military, but federal courts ruled against that ban.</p>


Transgender whistleblower Chelsea Manning, jailed for leaking classified information, is seeking election in the US state of Maryland, a document seen on Saturday says

Transgender whistleblower Chelsea Manning, jailed for leaking classified information, is seeking election in the US state of Maryland, a document seen on Saturday says. The Federal Election Commission document, filed Thursday, lists Chelsea Elizabeth Manning of North Bethesda, Maryland, as a Democratic candidate for the United States senate. Manning, now 30, was an army intelligence analyst sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 for leaking more than 700,000 classified documents related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The revelations by Manning, then known as Bradley Manning, exposed covered-up misdeeds and possible crimes by US troops and allies. Her actions made Manning a hero to anti-war and anti-secrecy activists but US establishment figures branded her a traitor. Then-president Barack Obama commuted Manning's sentence, leading to her release in May. During her incarceration, Manning battled for, and won, the right to start hormone treatment. On Twitter, she identifies herself as a "trans woman," and carries the slogan: "Make powerful people angry." The Democratic Senate incumbent is Ben Cardin, who was first elected in 2006 and is the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In elections last year, transgender candidate Danika Roem was elected to the Virginia state House of Delegates, becoming the first openly transgender lawmaker in the United States. US President Donald Trump has labeled Manning a traitor. He also tried to bar transgender personnel from the military, but federal courts ruled against that ban.

Transgender whistleblower Manning seeks US Senate seat

<p>A transgender was shot dead by unknown assailants in Peshawar&#39;s Cantonment area on Sunday.</p>

<p>According to the Dawn, a number of armed attackers opened fire at the transgender in Khyber Supermarket.</p>

<p>The victim, with three bullet wounds, was rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) for the treatment in critical condition; however, she succumbed to her injuries.</p>

<p>&quot;After receiving her, doctors shifted the injured to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and provided treatment,&quot; the LRH spokesperson Asim Khan said and added that the victim succumbed to her injuries in the ICU.</p>

<p>The transgender community has demanded the arrest of the killers.</p>

<p>The police have launched a search operation to nab the culprits.</p>

<p>However, initial reports have confirmed that one of the attackers was a friend of the victim.&nbsp;</p>


According to the Dawn, a number of armed attackers opened fire at the transgender in Khyber Supermarket.

A transgender was shot dead by unknown assailants in Peshawar's Cantonment area on Sunday. According to the Dawn, a number of armed attackers opened fire at the transgender in Khyber Supermarket. The victim, with three bullet wounds, was rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) for the treatment in critical condition; however, she succumbed to her injuries. "After receiving her, doctors shifted the injured to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and provided treatment," the LRH spokesperson Asim Khan said and added that the victim succumbed to her injuries in the ICU. The transgender community has demanded the arrest of the killers. The police have launched a search operation to nab the culprits. However, initial reports have confirmed that one of the attackers was a friend of the victim.

Transgender shot dead in Pakistan

<p>With just a few days to go for the Assembly elections in Gujarat, many transgenders in the state still do not have voter ID cards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third gender in the country is being denied the right to Universal Adult Franchise.</p>

<p>&quot;We&nbsp;are unable to cast our votes&nbsp;in the election as we do not have voter ID cards and we are not getting any help from anyone,&#39;&#39; a transgender said.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>: Transgenders in Surat&#39;s Godadara say that they are unable to cast their vote in the election as they do not have a Voter ID Card, add that they are receiving no help in getting their cards made. <a href="https://t.co/7DCtMftHqs">pic.twitter.com/7DCtMftHqs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934097640517537792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>A transgender, Payal Kunwar, claims that nobody&nbsp;else except she has the voter ID card in their area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that her name was mentioned under the female gender, while she is a transgender.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;I faced a lot a problem to open my bank account,&#39;&#39; she said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No one here except me has a Voter ID card. When I received it, my name was mentioned under female gender. I am a transgender. Whenever I produce it, I am told that they have mentioned female on it. I had to face a lot of problem to open my bank account.: Payal Kunwar <a href="https://t.co/F7fOMROKEx">pic.twitter.com/F7fOMROKEx</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934098087621955584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Another transgender, Khushboo, said that she has an Aadhaar Card but whenever she approached the authorities for a voter ID card, they turned her&nbsp;away.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I just have an Aadhaar Card but no Voter Card. I do not even have a bank account. They turn me away whenever I go to them. I want to cast my vote too just like anyone else.: Khushboo <a href="https://t.co/OXpNQUwuJ5">pic.twitter.com/OXpNQUwuJ5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934098368237789184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The Gujarat Assembly elections will be held on December 9 and 14.</p>

<p>The counting will take place on December 18.&nbsp;</p>


The community states that no one is helping them to get the Voter ID cards

With just a few days to go for the Assembly elections in Gujarat, many transgenders in the state still do not have voter ID cards. The third gender in the country is being denied the right to Universal Adult Franchise. "We are unable to cast our votes in the election as we do not have voter ID cards and we are not getting any help from anyone,'' a transgender said. #Gujarat: Transgenders in Surat's Godadara say that they are unable to cast their vote in the election as they do not have a Voter ID Card, add that they are receiving no help in getting their cards made. pic.twitter.com/7DCtMftHqs — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2017 × A transgender, Payal Kunwar, claims that nobody else except she has the voter ID card in their area. She said that her name was mentioned under the female gender, while she is a transgender. ''I faced a lot a problem to open my bank account,'' she said. No one here except me has a Voter ID card. When I received it, my name was mentioned under female gender. I am a transgender. Whenever I produce it, I am told that they have mentioned female on it. I had to face a lot of problem to open my bank account.: Payal Kunwar pic.twitter.com/F7fOMROKEx — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2017 × Another transgender, Khushboo, said that she has an Aadhaar Card but whenever she approached the authorities for a voter ID card, they turned her away. I just have an Aadhaar Card but no Voter Card. I do not even have a bank account. They turn me away whenever I go to them. I want to cast my vote too just like anyone else.: Khushboo pic.twitter.com/OXpNQUwuJ5 — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2017 × The Gujarat Assembly elections will be held on December 9 and 14. The counting will take place on December 18.

Many transgenders in Gujarat denied voter IDs ahead of polls

<p>The Rajasthan Police has appointed its first transgender constable after Rajasthan&#39;s&nbsp;High Court&nbsp;directive.</p>

<p>Constable Ganga Kumari was appointed as the first transgender woman constable after Justice Dinesh Mehta issued the order.</p>

<p>Ganga Kumari, who hails from Jalore, had filed a petition in the court when she was not given appointment by the Jalore Police Superintendent even after qualifying the examinations.</p>

<p>This is the first time in Rajasthan and third time in India when a transgender woman has been appointed to a government position.</p>


This is the first time in Rajasthan and third time in India when a transgender woman has been appointed to a government position.?

The Rajasthan Police has appointed its first transgender constable after Rajasthan's High Court directive. Constable Ganga Kumari was appointed as the first transgender woman constable after Justice Dinesh Mehta issued the order. Ganga Kumari, who hails from Jalore, had filed a petition in the court when she was not given appointment by the Jalore Police Superintendent even after qualifying the examinations. This is the first time in Rajasthan and third time in India when a transgender woman has been appointed to a government position.

Meet Constable Ganga Kumari, first transgender appointed in Rajasthan Police

<p>A transgender sailor of the Indian Navy approached the Delhi High Court to challenge an&nbsp;order of the Navy removing her from service because she underwent&nbsp;a sex change operation. The&nbsp;Navy considers Manish Giri (now known as Sabi) guilty of breaching service rules and eligibility criteria for his employment as a Sailor in the Indian Navy.</p>

<p>The Navy, in its press release, stated, &ldquo;The Indian Navy has discharged Manish Giri, a naval sailor evoking the clause of Service No Longer Required under the Navy Regulations. The serving sailor who underwent sex reassignment surgery at a private facility whilst on leave was administratively discharged from the Service.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, the high court&nbsp;said&nbsp;that Navy can punish her for indiscipline, but at the same time, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-court-asks-navy-to-consider-transgender-for-alternate-job-23204">it needs to accommodate her</a>. &quot;The petitioner can give up a claim for the job of a sailor and may accept a clerical position so that the family, comprising aged parents, the individual&#39;s wife, and child, need not suffer,&quot; the court said.</p>

<p>Sabi Giri, born&nbsp;Manish Kumar Giri, was enrolled as a young sailor in the Indian navy in 2010 at the age of 18 years. Giri&nbsp;always wanted to change into a woman&#39;s body since &quot;she was old enough to understand gender&quot;. A few years into service, Manish decided&nbsp;to undergo Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) and became a woman named Sabi.</p>

<p>Sabi had initially approached&nbsp;the doctors within the Navy at Visakhapatnam where she was posted, but they refused to help her. She then&nbsp;decided to consult a private psychiatrist and psychologist who diagnosed her with Gender Identity Disorder.&nbsp;But Sabi took a leave without informing the Navy and undewent the&nbsp;sex change operation in Delhi. She reported on duty after 15 days, but did not tell anyne about her surgery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sabi&#39;s condition came to light when she developed a unirnary infection. As Navy&#39;s doctors&nbsp;didn&#39;t know&nbsp;how to handle this case, Sabi was admitted to the psychiatric ward.</p>

<p>After several rounds of psychiatric and other medical examinations, Sabi did join back, this time as&nbsp;a woman, but the Navy had by now sent her case file&nbsp;to the Defence&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;seeking their comments and action that needed to be taken in the case. The action was necessitated by the fact&nbsp;that females are not allowed to work as soldiers per the Navy rules and regulations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sabi&nbsp;claimed that she was suffering from gender identity issues since 2011 and when she told her parents about it, they forced her to marry a woman. She also claimed that she was absent from service without leave several times as she suffered bouts of depression, owing to her gender identity issues.</p>

<p>Now her case is listed for further hearing on November 23 as the court said that &quot;Here is a person struggling with gender identity. Had she suppressed the condition and continued, it would have been dangerous. It could have been fatal. Think about it and come back.&quot;&nbsp;</p>


A transgender sailor of the Indian Navy approached the high court to challenge the order of the Navy removing her from service because she went through sex operation.?

A transgender sailor of the Indian Navy approached the Delhi High Court to challenge an order of the Navy removing her from service because she underwent a sex change operation. The Navy considers Manish Giri (now known as Sabi) guilty of breaching service rules and eligibility criteria for his employment as a Sailor in the Indian Navy. The Navy, in its press release, stated, “The Indian Navy has discharged Manish Giri, a naval sailor evoking the clause of Service No Longer Required under the Navy Regulations. The serving sailor who underwent sex reassignment surgery at a private facility whilst on leave was administratively discharged from the Service." On Monday, the high court said that Navy can punish her for indiscipline, but at the same time, it needs to accommodate her. "The petitioner can give up a claim for the job of a sailor and may accept a clerical position so that the family, comprising aged parents, the individual's wife, and child, need not suffer," the court said. Sabi Giri, born Manish Kumar Giri, was enrolled as a young sailor in the Indian navy in 2010 at the age of 18 years. Giri always wanted to change into a woman's body since "she was old enough to understand gender". A few years into service, Manish decided to undergo Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) and became a woman named Sabi. Sabi had initially approached the doctors within the Navy at Visakhapatnam where she was posted, but they refused to help her. She then decided to consult a private psychiatrist and psychologist who diagnosed her with Gender Identity Disorder. But Sabi took a leave without informing the Navy and undewent the sex change operation in Delhi. She reported on duty after 15 days, but did not tell anyne about her surgery. Sabi's condition came to light when she developed a unirnary infection. As Navy's doctors didn't know how to handle this case, Sabi was admitted to the psychiatric ward. After several rounds of psychiatric and other medical examinations, Sabi did join back, this time as a woman, but the Navy had by now sent her case file to the Defence Ministry seeking their comments and action that needed to be taken in the case. The action was necessitated by the fact that females are not allowed to work as soldiers per the Navy rules and regulations. Sabi claimed that she was suffering from gender identity issues since 2011 and when she told her parents about it, they forced her to marry a woman. She also claimed that she was absent from service without leave several times as she suffered bouts of depression, owing to her gender identity issues. Now her case is listed for further hearing on November 23 as the court said that "Here is a person struggling with gender identity. Had she suppressed the condition and continued, it would have been dangerous. It could have been fatal. Think about it and come back."

Meet Sabi Giri, Indian Navy's first transgender sailor

<p>The Delhi High Court today asked the Centre to consider giving an alternate job to a transgender sailor who was removed from service after a sex change, terming it an &quot;out of the box situation&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;You can punish her for indiscipline, but at the same time, you can accommodate her,&quot; a bench of Justices G S Sistani and V K Rao suggested to Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, who appeared for the Centre and Navy.</p>

<p>Calling for a change in mindset, the bench said the instant case was probably the only one of its kind in the armed forces and asked the Navy to consider the transgender for some other job.</p>

<p>&quot;Here is an opportunity to look at it from a different perspective. It is an out of the box situation. It may be a first of its kind situation.</p>

<p>&quot;Here is a person struggling with gender identity. Had she suppressed the condition and continued, it would have been dangerous. It could have been fatal. Think about it and come back,&quot; the bench said and listed the matter for further hearing on November 23.</p>

<p>The court said that while the person deserved to be punished for indiscipline for being absent without leave, but where there was a medical condition of this sort, it may be seen from a different perspective.</p>

<p>During the course of the hearing, the bench said, &quot;the mindset should change. In today&#39;s situation, a medical condition like this cannot be suppressed.&quot;</p>

<p>The court was of the view that the petitioner, who was posted onboard INS Eksila at Visakhapatnam, can give up a claim for the job of a sailor and may accept a clerical position so that the family, comprising aged parents, the individual&#39;s wife and child, need not suffer.</p>

<p>ASG Jain and central government standing counsel Anil Soni, who also appeared for the Navy, told the court that the individual in question &quot;had a chequered history of indiscipline&quot; for being absent without leave several times.</p>

<p>However, they agreed to take instructions on whether the instant matter can be taken up as a special case.</p>

<p>They also told the bench that the individual had got badly infected after undergoing sex reassignment surgery and it was the Navy which treated her humanely and provided treatment and counseling to her.</p>

<p>The lawyers said that one seat in another branch or department of the force cannot be blocked for such an individual who also suffered from psychiatric and gender identity problems.</p>

<p>They further argued that since the petitioner was a female now, she cannot be employed as a sailor in the Navy as that position is not open for women.</p>

<p>The ASG said the simple question before the bench was whether a woman and not a transgender, can be appointed as a sailor on a ship as the petitioner was now a female.</p>

<p>The petitioner had challenged the October 6 order of the Navy removing her from service.</p>

<p>She had claimed that she was suffering from gender identity issues since 2011 and when she told her parents, they forced her to marry a woman.</p>

<p>She further claimed that she was absent from service without leave several times as she suffered bouts of depression, owing to her gender identity issues.</p>


The Delhi High Court today asked the Centre to consider giving an alternate job to a transgender sailor who was removed from service after a sex change, terming it an "out of the box situation".

The Delhi High Court today asked the Centre to consider giving an alternate job to a transgender sailor who was removed from service after a sex change, terming it an "out of the box situation". "You can punish her for indiscipline, but at the same time, you can accommodate her," a bench of Justices G S Sistani and V K Rao suggested to Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, who appeared for the Centre and Navy. Calling for a change in mindset, the bench said the instant case was probably the only one of its kind in the armed forces and asked the Navy to consider the transgender for some other job. "Here is an opportunity to look at it from a different perspective. It is an out of the box situation. It may be a first of its kind situation. "Here is a person struggling with gender identity. Had she suppressed the condition and continued, it would have been dangerous. It could have been fatal. Think about it and come back," the bench said and listed the matter for further hearing on November 23. The court said that while the person deserved to be punished for indiscipline for being absent without leave, but where there was a medical condition of this sort, it may be seen from a different perspective. During the course of the hearing, the bench said, "the mindset should change. In today's situation, a medical condition like this cannot be suppressed." The court was of the view that the petitioner, who was posted onboard INS Eksila at Visakhapatnam, can give up a claim for the job of a sailor and may accept a clerical position so that the family, comprising aged parents, the individual's wife and child, need not suffer. ASG Jain and central government standing counsel Anil Soni, who also appeared for the Navy, told the court that the individual in question "had a chequered history of indiscipline" for being absent without leave several times. However, they agreed to take instructions on whether the instant matter can be taken up as a special case. They also told the bench that the individual had got badly infected after undergoing sex reassignment surgery and it was the Navy which treated her humanely and provided treatment and counseling to her. The lawyers said that one seat in another branch or department of the force cannot be blocked for such an individual who also suffered from psychiatric and gender identity problems. They further argued that since the petitioner was a female now, she cannot be employed as a sailor in the Navy as that position is not open for women. The ASG said the simple question before the bench was whether a woman and not a transgender, can be appointed as a sailor on a ship as the petitioner was now a female. The petitioner had challenged the October 6 order of the Navy removing her from service. She had claimed that she was suffering from gender identity issues since 2011 and when she told her parents, they forced her to marry a woman. She further claimed that she was absent from service without leave several times as she suffered bouts of depression, owing to her gender identity issues.

Delhi High Court asks Navy to consider transgender for alternate job

<p>The Karnataka state cabinet in a landmark move <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indias-first-transgender-college-principal-quits-over-staffs-non-cooperation-10743">has approved a policy for the transgender community aimed at amending laws</a> that restrict their sexual freedom and provide&nbsp;social security including&nbsp;reservations in educational institutions and jobs.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Karnataka state cabinet approved a transgender policy to end social,sexual exploitation and bring them into mainstream.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923609971085991936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The Congress-led <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indiatransgenders-hit-hard-by-demonetisation-move-9329">government headed by chief minister Siddaramaiah has set</a> a 36-month deadline for the implementation of the policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state&#39;s law and parliamentary affairs minister TB Jayachandra said that the policy was formulated to ensure constitutional rights for the transgender community and proposes to eliminate&nbsp;discrimination against them, reports said.</p>

<p>Jayachandra added said that the policy will cover areas of health, education, employment, housing, protection from harassment and abuse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jayachandra said: &quot;They face insecurity, discrimination, insults, anxiety, suicidal tendencies. Therefore, this policy aims at bringing them into the mainstream of the society and provide them with a secured life.&quot;</p>

<p>The different categories of transgenders mentioned in the policy include &quot;jogappa, jijra, female to male, male to female, inter-sex, kothis, jogtas, shivashakti and aravanis&quot;.</p>

<p>Jayachandra, quoting from the document, said, &quot;All levels of the formal education system should have reservations for transgender students.&quot;</p>

<p>The policy aims to unveil schemes for&nbsp;self-employment grants, vocational training, free health insurance and reservation in housing schemes. It also plans to create awareness by counselling parents and children. The policy guidelines also intends to provide free healthcare for the transgender community.</p>

<p>The policy&nbsp;aims to amend section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The different categories of transgenders mentioned in the policy include "jogappa, jijra, female to male, male to female, inter-sex, kothis, jogtas, shivashakti and aravanis".

The Karnataka state cabinet in a landmark move has approved a policy for the transgender community aimed at amending laws that restrict their sexual freedom and provide social security including reservations in educational institutions and jobs. Karnataka state cabinet approved a transgender policy to end social,sexual exploitation and bring them into mainstream. — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2017 × The Congress-led government headed by chief minister Siddaramaiah has set a 36-month deadline for the implementation of the policy. The state's law and parliamentary affairs minister TB Jayachandra said that the policy was formulated to ensure constitutional rights for the transgender community and proposes to eliminate discrimination against them, reports said. Jayachandra added said that the policy will cover areas of health, education, employment, housing, protection from harassment and abuse. Jayachandra said: "They face insecurity, discrimination, insults, anxiety, suicidal tendencies. Therefore, this policy aims at bringing them into the mainstream of the society and provide them with a secured life." The different categories of transgenders mentioned in the policy include "jogappa, jijra, female to male, male to female, inter-sex, kothis, jogtas, shivashakti and aravanis". Jayachandra, quoting from the document, said, "All levels of the formal education system should have reservations for transgender students." The policy aims to unveil schemes for self-employment grants, vocational training, free health insurance and reservation in housing schemes. It also plans to create awareness by counselling parents and children. The policy guidelines also intends to provide free healthcare for the transgender community. The policy aims to amend section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Karnataka cabinet approves transgender policy, sets 36-month deadline for execution

<p>&ldquo;My life is very different from your life&rdquo;, says Aishwarya, a <em>hijra</em> who survives on money collected by intimidating people at traffic lights and in public parks. Aishwarya is easily distinguishable from the swarm of beggars who wait eagerly at the signals every day. Clad in shades of reds and pinks, with a large bindi on her forehead and kohl smeared eyes, she stands out (not always in a positive way though).</p>

<p>She explains, &ldquo;I know they (public) mock me, most of them shrug me off but it&rsquo;s okay. It&rsquo;s not so easy to sleep on an empty stomach in the night.&rdquo;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Aishwarya lives in Palam in northwest Delhi, a cold locality that looks like a cobweb of <em>gullies</em>, uninhabitable to a stranger&rsquo;s eye but is home to many like her. She (as she likes to be identified as a woman) is one among many others from the <em>hijra </em>community that mostly feels at odd with the society. Living under the constant scrutiny of the public eye, they feel vulnerable in their own skin.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>I know they mock me, most of them shrug me off but it&rsquo;s okay. It&rsquo;s not so easy to sleep on an empty stomach in the night.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I know they mock me, most of them shrug me off but it?s okay. It?s not so easy to sleep on an empty stomach in the night." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>The term &lsquo;<em>hijra</em>&rsquo; is widely used in South Asia and refers to the transsexual and transgender community. It is derived from Semitic Arabic hjr meaning &lsquo;leaving one&rsquo;s tribe&rsquo; (understood literally as deflecting from the society&rsquo;s conventions of the body, sex and sexuality). Most members of the community identify themselves as men born with souls of women and owing to their openness about their sexual orientation face marginalisation in every aspect of life.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Guided with an ambition to tell stories of the <em>hijra</em> community, Shahria Sharmin, a photographer from Bangladesh is capturing their emotions and vulnerabilities for the world to see. In an exclusive conversation with Shahria, where she opens up about developing a strong bond with the <em>hijra</em> community, breaking prejudices and the time-consuming process of taking artistically challenging photographs. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(2)-20170801073256.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>They feel vulnerable in their own skin but are proud of their own bodies, not ashamed like most of us think (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Shahria narrates her first encounter with the subjects of the photo series titled Call Me Heena: &ldquo;I have never really physically experienced how it feels to be a part of an actual minority group. I grew up in Bangladesh, as a woman. Sure there are limitations and restrictions which I had abided by but what real struggle can be, when the question of identity and emotions come into the picture, is something I had wondered about and working with the <em>hijra</em> community came from that general curiosity.</p>

<p>&quot;When I started working with the community, after hearing hundreds of stories, similar or otherwise, it became apparent, this is the community which I wanted to focus on and learn about. I also hoped to photograph in a way which represents them as an individual without the obvious superficial biases. That hope and curiosity helped me pursue my project.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Taking a photograph of an intimate and natural expression is always a slow and time-consuming process and knowing that, I never rushed. Interestingly hijras are good cooks and I spent hours with them while cooking and sharing thoughts without taking any photos.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Taking a photograph of an intimate and natural expression is always a slow and time-consuming process and knowing that, I never rushed. Interestingly hijras are good cooks and I spent hours with them while cooking and sharing thoughts without taking any photos." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Belonging from Bangladesh, Shahria, did not always want&nbsp;to be a photographer. She pursued an education in Public Administration from the University of Dhaka and while studying, in several instances she recognised the art of photography. She felt that the medium &ldquo;enables to tell stories and explore humanity&rdquo;.</p>

<p>She thus knew that she &ldquo;had found her path&rdquo;.</p>

<p>She then graduated in photography from Pathshala South Asian Media Academy, Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the early years of her life, she had seen her father taking family photographs. It became a thing in the family for her to take photographs keeping her &quot;two daughters in focal points&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shahria says, &ldquo;Years later I found myself fascinated with movies. The frames of the films that I studied intrigued me and I wanted to go deeper into the dynamics of frames. Slowly I found that as I move my lens towards a new face, I discover an astonishing new world and that is when I fell in love with photography more deeply and got into the journey of discovering new worlds.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Fascinated with the world of photographs and narrator&rsquo;s story behind each photo, she did a three years photography course at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. While studying she had to choose a photography project where she chose to work with Bangladesh&rsquo;s famed garments factory workers. This changed her life in a way.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>The stigma of expressing one&#39;s sexuality</b></p>

<p>Shahria remembers that while approaching her project honestly, she stumbled upon the <em>hijra</em> community of Bangladesh.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>One day I was taking a walk with her and she mentioned how she desired a handsome husband and her wish to be his bride. Possessing a male body with a female psyche drew many questions and curiosity inside me.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=One day I was taking a walk with her and she mentioned how she desired a handsome husband and her wish to be his bride. Possessing a male body with a female psyche drew many questions and curiosity inside me. " target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>She says, &ldquo;It was the personality of an individual (named) &lsquo;Nayan&rsquo;, a transgender garment worker who I accidentally discovered while working. One day I was taking a walk with her and in the course of our conversation, she mentioned how she desired a handsome husband and her wish to be his bride. Possessing a male body with a female psyche drew many questions and curiosity inside me and I started to dig deep into the <em>hijra</em> community, forming deeper connections and solid friendships with them.&rdquo;</p>

<p>While embarking upon a task to document the lives of a misunderstood community, she witnessed how &ldquo;they are poorly labeled, with a lower status in the social structure of Bangladesh&rdquo;.</p>

<p>&ldquo;They are put in a box marked for invalids. I want to show the person behind that label, the lives and dreams behind those superficial assumptions. Maybe these stories will give them their real identity and some voice, as humans like you and me and not just as the still widely unaccepted third gender&rdquo;, she adds.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(3)-20170801073551.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Shumi (left) and Priya&rsquo;s new life is subject to the rules of a guru &ndash; in exchange for a new home (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Individual governments of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh identify them as the &lsquo;third gender&rsquo; or the &lsquo;other gender&rsquo; as they are neither fully male nor fully female. But this has happened just recently. Ostracised by the society for a long time, <em>hijras</em>, however, enjoyed a time of reckoning thousands of years ago when they were a part of the close-knit societal structure of Southeast Asian countries.</p>

<p>In ancient Hindu texts such as Mahabharata and Kama Sutra, they are celebrated as third sex. During the rule of Mughal empire, they served as protectors and guards of the women of the royals called &ldquo;<em>kwaja</em><em> sera</em>&rdquo;, meaning guards of the harem. But their status took a hit when during the British rule in India, <em>hijras</em> were deemed as criminals. Due to years of discrimination, most hijras face a low social standing in South Asia. They find claims of equal access to education, healthcare, and employment a sham.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The modern-day India opened its doors for <em>hijras</em> but with a sceptical eye considering their presence auspicious on several occasions like marriages and birth of children. However, with Indian society&#39;s evolution and an upscale movement towards urbanisation, <em>hijras</em> find themselves less invited than before.</p>

<p>Kajal and gang are a group of four <em>hijras</em> who stay together at all times. They come in groups asking for money at a popular hangout place in Hauz Khas. She says, &ldquo;My sisters and I come here every day. Young couples come to this fort to spend some time together and end up giving us money. I don&rsquo;t harass, no. It&rsquo;s easy to be preachy but difficult to step in my shoes. Don&rsquo;t say that I sell my body or use it to make money. What alternative do I have? My sisters have tried getting employment, nobody hires us but.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it&rsquo;s not just so in the Indian context.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shahria who took the time to live the life of an average <em>hijra</em>, reiterates, &ldquo;There is definitely a strong negative connotation to the word <em>hijra</em> in the Bangladeshi community but I wouldn&rsquo;t call it utter discrimination. They are now officially considered as the third gender. However, they are yet to be given due rights. They are still subjected to strong prejudice and stereotyping.</p>

<p>&quot;Bangladesh is generally considered a friendly and hospitable country where all religions are welcomed. I would say our problem with discrimination and negligence is as prominent as the next country. There isn&rsquo;t a specific formula that would make this discrimination go away but the first step towards it would be to facilitate their rights from the state, including, but not limited to voting rights, a social ID, medical facilities, education and public safety. This would be the first step towards treating them the same way as the next person.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(4)-20170801074130.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Heena (51): &ldquo;I feel like a mermaid. My body tells me I am a man and my soul tells me I am a woman&rdquo; (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><br />
As a photographer, Shahria feels that &ldquo;meeting new people, approaching the unknown and their responses varying between rejections and acceptances&rdquo; is the most challenging aspect of her profession. Like every other work, she made a point to get familiar with her subjects before capturing them in her camera.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Shahria explains, &ldquo;Taking a photograph of an intimate and natural expression is always a slow and time-consuming process and knowing that, I never rushed. Normally I spend a considerable time with a particular subject and most of the times I don&rsquo;t even shoot. I hang around with them for the whole day, have meals with them. Interestingly h<em>ijras</em> are good cooks and I spent hours with them while cooking and sharing thoughts without taking any photos. Trust level evolved when we argued and justified different social issues. I tried to identify with their values. Slowly, I tried to figure out what expressions they wanted to share with others and in what form.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;Normally I would discuss with them about the photograph I wanted to take and the way I would like to represent (them) to others. In most of the cases, they gave me some ideas or guidelines as to how they would like to be represented. I never noticed much anxiety among them for the way of their representation, rather I found them quite confident on what they are looking for. I did not deviate from their intentions. I had proven (myself) as a trustworthy person among their community.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(1)-20170801073108.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Tina (21): &ldquo;I am giving an exam. I don&rsquo;t know what the result will be&hellip;&rdquo; (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Shahria says, &ldquo;Amidst all hate and rejection from the society, <em>hijras</em> have happened to make a fruitful life out of what little they have and to me, this is what makes them unique. Perhaps media perceives them through a different lens because of this very reason. It doesn&rsquo;t necessarily have to be a bad thing. They are unique in their own way and that what makes them so beautiful, inside and out. This is what I try to portray through my photos. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>&ldquo;It is not fair to assume that all are seeking empathy. Why are they expected to act normal when it is so difficult to earn a living because society simply won&rsquo;t accept them? What exactly is &lsquo;normal&rsquo;? Perhaps they are just reaching out.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=?It is not fair to assume that all are seeking empathy. Why are they expected to act normal when it is so difficult to earn a living because society simply won?t accept them? What exactly is ?normal?? Perhaps they are just reaching out." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>On my question of why all photos of hijras are centred around the body and are always seeking empathy from the public eye, Shahria speaks with a hint of defence, &ldquo;It is not fair to assume that all are seeking empathy from the audience. They like to think they can live a self-sufficient life just like anyone else. Because they didn&rsquo;t exactly fit into the very specific gender expectation, they are most often subjected to strong stereotyping. Why are they expected to act normal when they don&rsquo;t receive the same rights? Medical facilities? Safety? Why are they expected to act normal when it is so difficult to earn a living because society simply won&rsquo;t accept them? What exactly is &lsquo;normal&rsquo;? When we are photographing them, perhaps their act of reaching out is often mistaken for them seeking empathy.&rdquo;</p>

<p>On another note, she mentions that she is the narrator of the story. She says, &ldquo;I never had them click themselves. Perhaps it would have been a completely different perspective. However, I never clicked the pictures without a reason or a story. I spent a day or two with them without my camera, getting to know them, feel them and once I thought I had done so, I presented them in a way that they I thought they would embody themselves through the pictures. It was a mutual understanding.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Breaking myths, Shahria says, &ldquo;It might appear they hide their body because society expected them to be and act a particular way. They don&rsquo;t exactly fit into the strict formula that society has created for each gender. I would say they wish not to hide but celebrate their body. They are forced to act like something they are not simply to be recognised worthy or capable by the society.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Hijras</em> typically dress like women, but no physical transition or change is required to be inducted into the community. In fact, many identify as neither men nor women, but rather as a &ldquo;third gender,&rdquo; a status that has received legal recognition in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.</p>

<p>Shahria does not expect things to change overnight but is hopeful that people would start responding to her photograph and the subsequently the community in due time. She adds, &ldquo;I believe we know what we have to know about them but we simply choose to ignore it, because of our convenience. We are too selfish to step outside our box and celebrate changes.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The Magnum Award winner photographer Shahria Sharmin explore the life of oppression and sources of strength that mark hijra communities in India and Bangladesh

“My life is very different from your life”, says Aishwarya, a hijra who survives on money collected by intimidating people at traffic lights and in public parks. Aishwarya is easily distinguishable from the swarm of beggars who wait eagerly at the signals every day. Clad in shades of reds and pinks, with a large bindi on her forehead and kohl smeared eyes, she stands out (not always in a positive way though). She explains, “I know they (public) mock me, most of them shrug me off but it’s okay. It’s not so easy to sleep on an empty stomach in the night.” Aishwarya lives in Palam in northwest Delhi, a cold locality that looks like a cobweb of gullies, uninhabitable to a stranger’s eye but is home to many like her. She (as she likes to be identified as a woman) is one among many others from the hijra community that mostly feels at odd with the society. Living under the constant scrutiny of the public eye, they feel vulnerable in their own skin. I know they mock me, most of them shrug me off but it’s okay. It’s not so easy to sleep on an empty stomach in the night. × The term ‘hijra’ is widely used in South Asia and refers to the transsexual and transgender community. It is derived from Semitic Arabic hjr meaning ‘leaving one’s tribe’ (understood literally as deflecting from the society’s conventions of the body, sex and sexuality). Most members of the community identify themselves as men born with souls of women and owing to their openness about their sexual orientation face marginalisation in every aspect of life. Guided with an ambition to tell stories of the hijra community, Shahria Sharmin, a photographer from Bangladesh is capturing their emotions and vulnerabilities for the world to see. In an exclusive conversation with Shahria, where she opens up about developing a strong bond with the hijra community, breaking prejudices and the time-consuming process of taking artistically challenging photographs. They feel vulnerable in their own skin but are proud of their own bodies, not ashamed like most of us think (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others) × Shahria narrates her first encounter with the subjects of the photo series titled Call Me Heena: “I have never really physically experienced how it feels to be a part of an actual minority group. I grew up in Bangladesh, as a woman. Sure there are limitations and restrictions which I had abided by but what real struggle can be, when the question of identity and emotions come into the picture, is something I had wondered about and working with the hijra community came from that general curiosity. "When I started working with the community, after hearing hundreds of stories, similar or otherwise, it became apparent, this is the community which I wanted to focus on and learn about. I also hoped to photograph in a way which represents them as an individual without the obvious superficial biases. That hope and curiosity helped me pursue my project.” Taking a photograph of an intimate and natural expression is always a slow and time-consuming process and knowing that, I never rushed. Interestingly hijras are good cooks and I spent hours with them while cooking and sharing thoughts without taking any photos. × Belonging from Bangladesh, Shahria, did not always want to be a photographer. She pursued an education in Public Administration from the University of Dhaka and while studying, in several instances she recognised the art of photography. She felt that the medium “enables to tell stories and explore humanity”. She thus knew that she “had found her path”. She then graduated in photography from Pathshala South Asian Media Academy, Bangladesh. During the early years of her life, she had seen her father taking family photographs. It became a thing in the family for her to take photographs keeping her "two daughters in focal points”. Shahria says, “Years later I found myself fascinated with movies. The frames of the films that I studied intrigued me and I wanted to go deeper into the dynamics of frames. Slowly I found that as I move my lens towards a new face, I discover an astonishing new world and that is when I fell in love with photography more deeply and got into the journey of discovering new worlds.” Fascinated with the world of photographs and narrator’s story behind each photo, she did a three years photography course at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. While studying she had to choose a photography project where she chose to work with Bangladesh’s famed garments factory workers. This changed her life in a way. The stigma of expressing one's sexuality Shahria remembers that while approaching her project honestly, she stumbled upon the hijra community of Bangladesh. One day I was taking a walk with her and she mentioned how she desired a handsome husband and her wish to be his bride. Possessing a male body with a female psyche drew many questions and curiosity inside me. × She says, “It was the personality of an individual (named) ‘Nayan’, a transgender garment worker who I accidentally discovered while working. One day I was taking a walk with her and in the course of our conversation, she mentioned how she desired a handsome husband and her wish to be his bride. Possessing a male body with a female psyche drew many questions and curiosity inside me and I started to dig deep into the hijra community, forming deeper connections and solid friendships with them.” While embarking upon a task to document the lives of a misunderstood community, she witnessed how “they are poorly labeled, with a lower status in the social structure of Bangladesh”. “They are put in a box marked for invalids. I want to show the person behind that label, the lives and dreams behind those superficial assumptions. Maybe these stories will give them their real identity and some voice, as humans like you and me and not just as the still widely unaccepted third gender”, she adds. Shumi (left) and Priya’s new life is subject to the rules of a guru – in exchange for a new home (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others) × Individual governments of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh identify them as the ‘third gender’ or the ‘other gender’ as they are neither fully male nor fully female. But this has happened just recently. Ostracised by the society for a long time, hijras, however, enjoyed a time of reckoning thousands of years ago when they were a part of the close-knit societal structure of Southeast Asian countries. In ancient Hindu texts such as Mahabharata and Kama Sutra, they are celebrated as third sex. During the rule of Mughal empire, they served as protectors and guards of the women of the royals called “kwaja sera”, meaning guards of the harem. But their status took a hit when during the British rule in India, hijras were deemed as criminals. Due to years of discrimination, most hijras face a low social standing in South Asia. They find claims of equal access to education, healthcare, and employment a sham. The modern-day India opened its doors for hijras but with a sceptical eye considering their presence auspicious on several occasions like marriages and birth of children. However, with Indian society's evolution and an upscale movement towards urbanisation, hijras find themselves less invited than before. Kajal and gang are a group of four hijras who stay together at all times. They come in groups asking for money at a popular hangout place in Hauz Khas. She says, “My sisters and I come here every day. Young couples come to this fort to spend some time together and end up giving us money. I don’t harass, no. It’s easy to be preachy but difficult to step in my shoes. Don’t say that I sell my body or use it to make money. What alternative do I have? My sisters have tried getting employment, nobody hires us but.” But it’s not just so in the Indian context. Shahria who took the time to live the life of an average hijra, reiterates, “There is definitely a strong negative connotation to the word hijra in the Bangladeshi community but I wouldn’t call it utter discrimination. They are now officially considered as the third gender. However, they are yet to be given due rights. They are still subjected to strong prejudice and stereotyping. "Bangladesh is generally considered a friendly and hospitable country where all religions are welcomed. I would say our problem with discrimination and negligence is as prominent as the next country. There isn’t a specific formula that would make this discrimination go away but the first step towards it would be to facilitate their rights from the state, including, but not limited to voting rights, a social ID, medical facilities, education and public safety. This would be the first step towards treating them the same way as the next person.” Heena (51): “I feel like a mermaid. My body tells me I am a man and my soul tells me I am a woman” (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others) × As a photographer, Shahria feels that “meeting new people, approaching the unknown and their responses varying between rejections and acceptances” is the most challenging aspect of her profession. Like every other work, she made a point to get familiar with her subjects before capturing them in her camera. Shahria explains, “Taking a photograph of an intimate and natural expression is always a slow and time-consuming process and knowing that, I never rushed. Normally I spend a considerable time with a particular subject and most of the times I don’t even shoot. I hang around with them for the whole day, have meals with them. Interestingly hijras are good cooks and I spent hours with them while cooking and sharing thoughts without taking any photos. Trust level evolved when we argued and justified different social issues. I tried to identify with their values. Slowly, I tried to figure out what expressions they wanted to share with others and in what form. “Normally I would discuss with them about the photograph I wanted to take and the way I would like to represent (them) to others. In most of the cases, they gave me some ideas or guidelines as to how they would like to be represented. I never noticed much anxiety among them for the way of their representation, rather I found them quite confident on what they are looking for. I did not deviate from their intentions. I had proven (myself) as a trustworthy person among their community.” Tina (21): “I am giving an exam. I don’t know what the result will be…” (Credit: Shahria Sharmin) (Others) × Shahria says, “Amidst all hate and rejection from the society, hijras have happened to make a fruitful life out of what little they have and to me, this is what makes them unique. Perhaps media perceives them through a different lens because of this very reason. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. They are unique in their own way and that what makes them so beautiful, inside and out. This is what I try to portray through my photos. “It is not fair to assume that all are seeking empathy. Why are they expected to act normal when it is so difficult to earn a living because society simply won’t accept them? What exactly is ‘normal’? Perhaps they are just reaching out. × On my question of why all photos of hijras are centred around the body and are always seeking empathy from the public eye, Shahria speaks with a hint of defence, “It is not fair to assume that all are seeking empathy from the audience. They like to think they can live a self-sufficient life just like anyone else. Because they didn’t exactly fit into the very specific gender expectation, they are most often subjected to strong stereotyping. Why are they expected to act normal when they don’t receive the same rights? Medical facilities? Safety? Why are they expected to act normal when it is so difficult to earn a living because society simply won’t accept them? What exactly is ‘normal’? When we are photographing them, perhaps their act of reaching out is often mistaken for them seeking empathy.” On another note, she mentions that she is the narrator of the story. She says, “I never had them click themselves. Perhaps it would have been a completely different perspective. However, I never clicked the pictures without a reason or a story. I spent a day or two with them without my camera, getting to know them, feel them and once I thought I had done so, I presented them in a way that they I thought they would embody themselves through the pictures. It was a mutual understanding.” Breaking myths, Shahria says, “It might appear they hide their body because society expected them to be and act a particular way. They don’t exactly fit into the strict formula that society has created for each gender. I would say they wish not to hide but celebrate their body. They are forced to act like something they are not simply to be recognised worthy or capable by the society. Hijras typically dress like women, but no physical transition or change is required to be inducted into the community. In fact, many identify as neither men nor women, but rather as a “third gender,” a status that has received legal recognition in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Shahria does not expect things to change overnight but is hopeful that people would start responding to her photograph and the subsequently the community in due time. She adds, “I believe we know what we have to know about them but we simply choose to ignore it, because of our convenience. We are too selfish to step outside our box and celebrate changes.” (WION)

What it means to be a hijra in Bangladesh

<p>In a world divided by race, language, religion, and ideology, it is understandable why we need to celebrate International Integration Day. Development of a peaceful world demands respectful treatment of all forms of diversity. International Integration Day promotes the values of universal acceptance and equality around the globe. But what is ideally desired is not always practised. It has never been. The intolerance that marks our everyday existence is most visible towards sexual minority groups, such as the gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals. We have so far failed to extend the idea of inclusiveness to appreciate people with different sexual orientation than what is believed to be the mainstream or the &quot;natural&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The question that human rights activists and LGBTQ community members have been asking all along is: why being a gay is the crime? Why being different in terms of sexual orientation is offensive, when being different could be unique? The saga of oppression against lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender is a long drawn one but it is sadly the most unacknowledged, ignored and triviliased issue both in India and elsewhere.</p>

<p>Everyone looks for a place in society - to be accepted as an equal member like anybody else. But that acceptance is not easy to achieve because we always tend to judge others by fixed social norms. Members of LGBTQ community, therefore, find it extremely daunting to disclose their identity, fearing reprisals. The reprisals and marginalisation did not spare even an established social persona like Rituparno Ghosh. Ever since the acclaimed filmmaker decided to remain not so discreet about his sexual identity, he has been the butt of unsavoury jokes, even in TV shows.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The intolerance that marks our everyday existence is most visible towards sexual minority groups, such as the gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The intolerance that marks our everyday existence is most visible towards sexual minority groups, such as the gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>It was Ghosh&#39;s heroism that he openly accepted his sexual preference and even underwent several surgeries to transform her body to his likings. His androgynous personality was never a barrier to him in his filmmaking and acting career but in the last few years of his life, he isolated himself from the entire industry and from his near and dear ones. No matter how brazenly he opened up about his effeminate traits but somewhere deep inside he continued to battle for the acceptance from the people.</p>

<p>Today, Ghosh is not only remembered as an established filmmaker and actor but also as an important icon of the LGBTQ community of India. Through his award-winning films, not only did he break the conservative sensibility of Indian viewers on sexuality, he also educated us on how it is like being a homosexual. He was what can be called a cultural activist. His cross-dressings, his films, his razor sharp intellect cut through the moral morass of the society. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Queer parades: yes, we are gays and we exist</strong></p>

<p>Gay parades are becoming increasingly common. People marching hand in hand on the streets and roaring slogans out loud, demanding equal status and the rights they deserve. Even a decade ago this was not a common sight. But now it is. From Paris to Tel Aviv to Lucknow, LGBTQ community in colourful costumes has been coming out openly, marching in the streets, announcing and celebrating their identity. The goals such parades serve are to make the rest of the society sensitive to their demands for acceptance as well as help LGBT individuals to open up about themselves. Coming together helps the community members to realise they are not alone even if mainstream society go on showing reluctance in integrating them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel parade is a perfect example of such solidarity act. Tel Aviv has conducted a massive and impactful pride parade couple of days back on the theme &quot;Bisexual Visibility&quot;, making it one of the largest parades in the Middle East and Asia celebrating bisexuality. Thousands of activists and revealers gathered, donned in rainbow colour outfits and LGBTQ flags in hands. Israel is one of the most gay-friendly country in the Middle East, where LGBT community members have even rights to serve in the military. However, there are individuals who lash out against such parades. One Kazi Azizul Huq tweeted &ldquo;I am saddened by Sodomists &ldquo;Pride&rdquo; allowed in the Holy Land. It delegitimises Israel&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Kazi Azizul Huq tweeted &ldquo;I am saddened by Sodomists &ldquo;Pride&rdquo; allowed in the Holy Land. It delegitimises Israel.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Kazi Azizul Huq tweeted ?I am saddened by Sodomists ?Pride? allowed in the Holy Land. It delegitimises Israel." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>The LGBTQ community has drawn attention through fascinating and outrageous quotes, such as &quot;What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it&#39;s curved like a road through mountains.&quot; (Tennessee Williams). Another quote goes: &quot;Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?&quot; (Ernest Gaines). Or through chanting slogans like &quot;377, Quit India&quot;, as section 377 of Indian Panel Code considers being gay to be an immoral act, which violates the innate sexual process and is against the law of nature.</p>

<p>&quot;Give me a support so that I can take off my mask&quot; is another slogan that evokes the emotional urge of the queers. Such slogans signify that there is a larger volume of people out there, hiding in their closet who are, however, unique in their own way but drowning in the fear of rejection.</p>

<p><strong>Success and failure: LGBT rights battle in India and beyond</strong></p>

<p>After going through numbers of the heated debates on giving legal recognition to same-sex marriage, Netherlands became the first country in the world to grant same-sex couples their basic human right. Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Israel are other few countries to legalise homosexuality and same-sex marriage later on.</p>

<p>However, countries in the Middle East, Asia, and most of Africa, as well as St Lucia, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana and other Carribbean Sea countries, have criminalised homosexuality and same-sex marriage as per their respective laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anjali Gopalan is a noted name today for her contribution towards the LGBTQ community. Her organisation Naz foundation is working against the colonial era law which defined homosexuality as &ldquo;carnal intercourse against the order of law&rdquo;.</p>

<p>India still has a long way to go because in term of achieving rights for the gays. The LGBTQ community is ceaselessly in catch-22 situation. They are harassed&nbsp;and discriminated, their murders go unreported, they are abandoned by their families and along with emotion abuse they also face physical assault. But what for, just for being different?</p>

<p>Achieving integration is the need of the hour, particularly because we are talking and debating basic rights every other day. Then, why are gay rights not to be acknowledged? The philosophy of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the world is one) is the need of the hour. Real integration can only be achieved through building inclusive societies across the globe. To avoid incompletion, we have to accept the gay individuals as one of the shining colours of rainbow in the sky.</p>


On International Integration Day, the world largely remains intolerant towards sexually different people.

In a world divided by race, language, religion, and ideology, it is understandable why we need to celebrate International Integration Day. Development of a peaceful world demands respectful treatment of all forms of diversity. International Integration Day promotes the values of universal acceptance and equality around the globe. But what is ideally desired is not always practised. It has never been. The intolerance that marks our everyday existence is most visible towards sexual minority groups, such as the gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals. We have so far failed to extend the idea of inclusiveness to appreciate people with different sexual orientation than what is believed to be the mainstream or the "natural". The question that human rights activists and LGBTQ community members have been asking all along is: why being a gay is the crime? Why being different in terms of sexual orientation is offensive, when being different could be unique? The saga of oppression against lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender is a long drawn one but it is sadly the most unacknowledged, ignored and triviliased issue both in India and elsewhere. Everyone looks for a place in society - to be accepted as an equal member like anybody else. But that acceptance is not easy to achieve because we always tend to judge others by fixed social norms. Members of LGBTQ community, therefore, find it extremely daunting to disclose their identity, fearing reprisals. The reprisals and marginalisation did not spare even an established social persona like Rituparno Ghosh. Ever since the acclaimed filmmaker decided to remain not so discreet about his sexual identity, he has been the butt of unsavoury jokes, even in TV shows. The intolerance that marks our everyday existence is most visible towards sexual minority groups, such as the gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals × It was Ghosh's heroism that he openly accepted his sexual preference and even underwent several surgeries to transform her body to his likings. His androgynous personality was never a barrier to him in his filmmaking and acting career but in the last few years of his life, he isolated himself from the entire industry and from his near and dear ones. No matter how brazenly he opened up about his effeminate traits but somewhere deep inside he continued to battle for the acceptance from the people. Today, Ghosh is not only remembered as an established filmmaker and actor but also as an important icon of the LGBTQ community of India. Through his award-winning films, not only did he break the conservative sensibility of Indian viewers on sexuality, he also educated us on how it is like being a homosexual. He was what can be called a cultural activist. His cross-dressings, his films, his razor sharp intellect cut through the moral morass of the society. Queer parades: yes, we are gays and we exist Gay parades are becoming increasingly common. People marching hand in hand on the streets and roaring slogans out loud, demanding equal status and the rights they deserve. Even a decade ago this was not a common sight. But now it is. From Paris to Tel Aviv to Lucknow, LGBTQ community in colourful costumes has been coming out openly, marching in the streets, announcing and celebrating their identity. The goals such parades serve are to make the rest of the society sensitive to their demands for acceptance as well as help LGBT individuals to open up about themselves. Coming together helps the community members to realise they are not alone even if mainstream society go on showing reluctance in integrating them. Israel parade is a perfect example of such solidarity act. Tel Aviv has conducted a massive and impactful pride parade couple of days back on the theme "Bisexual Visibility", making it one of the largest parades in the Middle East and Asia celebrating bisexuality. Thousands of activists and revealers gathered, donned in rainbow colour outfits and LGBTQ flags in hands. Israel is one of the most gay-friendly country in the Middle East, where LGBT community members have even rights to serve in the military. However, there are individuals who lash out against such parades. One Kazi Azizul Huq tweeted “I am saddened by Sodomists “Pride” allowed in the Holy Land. It delegitimises Israel”. Kazi Azizul Huq tweeted “I am saddened by Sodomists “Pride” allowed in the Holy Land. It delegitimises Israel. × The LGBTQ community has drawn attention through fascinating and outrageous quotes, such as "What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains." (Tennessee Williams). Another quote goes: "Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" (Ernest Gaines). Or through chanting slogans like "377, Quit India", as section 377 of Indian Panel Code considers being gay to be an immoral act, which violates the innate sexual process and is against the law of nature. "Give me a support so that I can take off my mask" is another slogan that evokes the emotional urge of the queers. Such slogans signify that there is a larger volume of people out there, hiding in their closet who are, however, unique in their own way but drowning in the fear of rejection. Success and failure: LGBT rights battle in India and beyond After going through numbers of the heated debates on giving legal recognition to same-sex marriage, Netherlands became the first country in the world to grant same-sex couples their basic human right. Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Israel are other few countries to legalise homosexuality and same-sex marriage later on. However, countries in the Middle East, Asia, and most of Africa, as well as St Lucia, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana and other Carribbean Sea countries, have criminalised homosexuality and same-sex marriage as per their respective laws. Anjali Gopalan is a noted name today for her contribution towards the LGBTQ community. Her organisation Naz foundation is working against the colonial era law which defined homosexuality as “carnal intercourse against the order of law”. India still has a long way to go because in term of achieving rights for the gays. The LGBTQ community is ceaselessly in catch-22 situation. They are harassed and discriminated, their murders go unreported, they are abandoned by their families and along with emotion abuse they also face physical assault. But what for, just for being different? Achieving integration is the need of the hour, particularly because we are talking and debating basic rights every other day. Then, why are gay rights not to be acknowledged? The philosophy of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the world is one) is the need of the hour. Real integration can only be achieved through building inclusive societies across the globe. To avoid incompletion, we have to accept the gay individuals as one of the shining colours of rainbow in the sky.

Social integration is a distant dream for the LGBTQ community

Four lesbian women are suing a US state for discrimination for insisting women have unprotected sex with a man to prove they are infertile and claim insurance cover for treatment.<br />
<br />
In a landmark case, the women filed the complaint after being rejected by their insurer for infertility treatment, and arguing the law discriminated against infertile gay women by forcing them, not straight women, to pay for procedures.&nbsp;Two of the women, Erin and Marianne Krupa, a couple, spent more than $25,000 on failed infertility treatment in five months after their insurance claim was rejected, the complaint said.<br />
<br />
The civil complaint filed in a federal court in the state of New Jersey adds to an ongoing debate in the United States about the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.<br />
<br />
Grace Cathryn Cretcher, an attorney for the women, said she believed this was the first case of its kind with the women trying to change the legal definition of infertility to make it easier for future lesbian couples seeking to have a baby.<br />
<br />
According to the suit, the law in New Jersey defines infertility as when a woman cannot conceive after a year or more of unprotected intercourse.&nbsp;Susan Sommer, a spokeswoman for Lambda Legal, a New York City-based LGBT rights group, said insurance standards needed to be updated for same-sex couples to receive full equality,<br />
&nbsp;
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>This lawsuit reflects the frustration and indignities lesbian and gay people endure because state laws and insurance rules continue to presume the only parents are heterosexual parents,&quot; Susan Sommer said in a statement</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=This lawsuit reflects the frustration and indignities lesbian and gay people endure because state laws and insurance rules continue to presume the only parents are heterosexual parents,&quot; Susan Sommer said in a statement" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
The four women are seeking an order declaring the New Jersey insurance law is unconstitutional and discriminatory and also an injunction ordering the state to expand insurance cover for infertility to women in same-sex relationships.<br />
<br />
New Jersey is one of 15 US states to have passed laws that require insurance companies to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which tracks state laws.&nbsp;So far California and Maryland are the only states to have updated their definitions of infertility to include gay couples.<br />
<br />
The lawsuit, filed in a Newark court last week, names the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance&#39;s commissioner, Richard J Badolato, as the defendant. It did not list a defense attorney.&nbsp;A government spokesman said the department &quot;does not comment on pending or ongoing litigation&quot;.<br />
<br />
The Krupas and the two other women, Sol Mejias and Sarah Mills, were all clients of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the complaint said.&nbsp;A spokesman for the company said the suit takes issue with the law and not Horizon, which covers &quot;infertility services equally, regardless of sexual orientation&quot;.<br />
<br />
The company eventually agreed to pay for infertility treatment for Krupa, the complaint said, but it was not successful.&nbsp;&quot;Horizon is committed to equality, values our LGBTQ members, and is sensitive to their unique healthcare challenges and needs,&quot; the insurance company said in an email.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

The four women seek an injunction ordering the state to expand insurance coverage for infertility to women in same-sex relationships

Four lesbian women are suing a US state for discrimination for insisting women have unprotected sex with a man to prove they are infertile and claim insurance cover for treatment. In a landmark case, the women filed the complaint after being rejected by their insurer for infertility treatment, and arguing the law discriminated against infertile gay women by forcing them, not straight women, to pay for procedures. Two of the women, Erin and Marianne Krupa, a couple, spent more than $25,000 on failed infertility treatment in five months after their insurance claim was rejected, the complaint said. The civil complaint filed in a federal court in the state of New Jersey adds to an ongoing debate in the United States about the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Grace Cathryn Cretcher, an attorney for the women, said she believed this was the first case of its kind with the women trying to change the legal definition of infertility to make it easier for future lesbian couples seeking to have a baby. According to the suit, the law in New Jersey defines infertility as when a woman cannot conceive after a year or more of unprotected intercourse. Susan Sommer, a spokeswoman for Lambda Legal, a New York City-based LGBT rights group, said insurance standards needed to be updated for same-sex couples to receive full equality, This lawsuit reflects the frustration and indignities lesbian and gay people endure because state laws and insurance rules continue to presume the only parents are heterosexual parents," Susan Sommer said in a statement The four women are seeking an order declaring the New Jersey insurance law is unconstitutional and discriminatory and also an injunction ordering the state to expand insurance cover for infertility to women in same-sex relationships. New Jersey is one of 15 US states to have passed laws that require insurance companies to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which tracks state laws. So far California and Maryland are the only states to have updated their definitions of infertility to include gay couples. The lawsuit, filed in a Newark court last week, names the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance's commissioner, Richard J Badolato, as the defendant. It did not list a defense attorney. A government spokesman said the department "does not comment on pending or ongoing litigation". The Krupas and the two other women, Sol Mejias and Sarah Mills, were all clients of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the complaint said. A spokesman for the company said the suit takes issue with the law and not Horizon, which covers "infertility services equally, regardless of sexual orientation". The company eventually agreed to pay for infertility treatment for Krupa, the complaint said, but it was not successful. "Horizon is committed to equality, values our LGBTQ members, and is sensitive to their unique healthcare challenges and needs," the insurance company said in an email. (Reuters)

Four lesbians sue US state for insisting sex with a man proves infertility

Human rights activist Sarah McBride made history yesterday when she became the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party convention.<br />
<br />
&quot;Four years ago, I came out as transgender while serving as student body president in college. At the time I was scared. I was worried that my dreams and my identity were mutually exclusive. Since then, though, I have seen that change is possible. I witness history as an intern at the White House and helping my home state of Delaware pass protections for transgender people,&quot; McBride told the crowd in Philadelphia.<br />
<br />
&quot;Will we be a nation where there is only one way to love, only one to look, and only one way to live? Or will we be a nation where everyone has the freedom to live openly and equally, a nation that is stronger together? That is the question in this election.&quot;<br />
<br />
McBride currently works as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. She was also the first openly transgender woman to work at the White House when she interned in the Office of Public Engagement in 2012.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

'I have seen that change is possible.' Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party convention

Human rights activist Sarah McBride made history yesterday when she became the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party convention. "Four years ago, I came out as transgender while serving as student body president in college. At the time I was scared. I was worried that my dreams and my identity were mutually exclusive. Since then, though, I have seen that change is possible. I witness history as an intern at the White House and helping my home state of Delaware pass protections for transgender people," McBride told the crowd in Philadelphia. "Will we be a nation where there is only one way to love, only one to look, and only one way to live? Or will we be a nation where everyone has the freedom to live openly and equally, a nation that is stronger together? That is the question in this election." McBride currently works as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. She was also the first openly transgender woman to work at the White House when she interned in the Office of Public Engagement in 2012. (Reuters)

Transgender activist makes history at Democratic National Convention

Over a year after the Upper House of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) approved a private member&#39;s bill to protect the rights of transgenders, the government on Wednesday cleared a similar legislation to protect such persons from discrimination.<br />
<br />
The Union Cabinet approved The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 for introduction in Parliament.<br />
<br />
&quot;Through this bill, the government has evolved a mechanism for their social, economic and educational empowerment. The bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalised section and bring them into the mainstream of society,&quot; an official statement said.<br />
<br />
Transgender community is among one of the most marginalised communities in the country because they do not fit into the stereotypical categories of gender of &#39;men&#39; or &#39;women&#39;.<br />
<br />
They face problems ranging from social exclusion to discrimination, lack of education facilities, unemployment and lack of medical facilities.<br />
<br />
The private member&#39;s bill moved by Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 24, 2015.<br />
<br />
This was for the first time in 45 years that a private member&#39;s Bill was passed by the House.<br />
<br />
The government to assure the House that it would bring its own bill in Lok Sabha after wider consultations.<br />
<br />
(PTI)

Through this bill, the government has evolved a mechanism for their social, economic and educational empowerment an official statement said

Over a year after the Upper House of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) approved a private member's bill to protect the rights of transgenders, the government on Wednesday cleared a similar legislation to protect such persons from discrimination. The Union Cabinet approved The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 for introduction in Parliament. "Through this bill, the government has evolved a mechanism for their social, economic and educational empowerment. The bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalised section and bring them into the mainstream of society," an official statement said. Transgender community is among one of the most marginalised communities in the country because they do not fit into the stereotypical categories of gender of 'men' or 'women'. They face problems ranging from social exclusion to discrimination, lack of education facilities, unemployment and lack of medical facilities. The private member's bill moved by Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 24, 2015. This was for the first time in 45 years that a private member's Bill was passed by the House. The government to assure the House that it would bring its own bill in Lok Sabha after wider consultations. (PTI)

Indian government approves bill to protect transgenders from discrimination

The Pentagon today ended its ban on openly transgender people serving in the US military, formally removing the risk to an estimated thousands of US troops who once could have been kicked out of the armed forces due to gender identity.<br />
<br />
The repeal, which ends one of the last barriers to serving in the military, comes after a 2011 decision to end the US military&#39;s ban on openly gay and lesbian people serving, despite concerns - which proved unfounded - that such a move could be too great a burden in wartime and would undermine battle readiness.<br />
<br />
&quot;We&#39;re eliminating policies that can result in transgender members being treated differently from their peers based solely upon their gender identity rather than upon their ability to serve,&quot; defence secretary Ash Carter told reporters.<br />
<br />
Carter said that within 90 days, the Pentagon would create a guide book for commanders on how to lead transgender service members and medical guidance to doctors.<br />
<br />
Within one year, transgender individuals would be allowed to join the armed forces, he said.<br />
<br />
Carter said that based on a study carried out by the Rand Corporation, there were about 2,500 transgender active-duty servicemembers and 1,500 reserve transgender service members. Still, Rand&#39;s figures were within a range, which at the upper end reached 7,000 active duty forces and 4,000 reserves.<br />
<br />
&quot;The reality is that we have transgender service members serving in uniform today,&quot; Carter said, acknowledging the policy change will have implications for issues including deployment and medical treatment.<br />
<br />
He added that at least 18 countries already allowed transgender personnel to serve openly in their militaries.<br />
<br />
Carter announced in 2015 that he intended to lift the ban and laid out a series of steps, including a six-month study on the implications of lifting the restrictions. But advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community said the process, which eventually stretched to nearly a year, has taken too long.<br />
<br />
Advocates praised Carter&#39;s announcement today and said it followed several moves by the military to be more inclusive in the last decade.<br />
<br />
&quot;I would hope that it showcases the fact that the sky will not fall, the world will not come apart, by us being a more inclusive and open society,&quot; said Matt Thorn, executive director of OutServe-SLDN, an advocacy group for LGBT military personnel. &quot;I don&#39;t think anybody should be concerned or afraid about moving forward with this policy.&quot;<br />
<br />
But critics have argued that Carter is putting the political agenda of the Democratic administration of President Barack Obama ahead of military readiness.<br />
<br />
&quot;Over the next few weeks, we are going to continue to push for actual answers to the readiness questions we&rsquo;ve been asking for nearly a year to which we have still not received a response,&quot; Republican representative Mac Thornberry, chairman of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Commanders will be given handbooks detailing how they are to be led, and doctors will be provided medical advice

The Pentagon today ended its ban on openly transgender people serving in the US military, formally removing the risk to an estimated thousands of US troops who once could have been kicked out of the armed forces due to gender identity. The repeal, which ends one of the last barriers to serving in the military, comes after a 2011 decision to end the US military's ban on openly gay and lesbian people serving, despite concerns - which proved unfounded - that such a move could be too great a burden in wartime and would undermine battle readiness. "We're eliminating policies that can result in transgender members being treated differently from their peers based solely upon their gender identity rather than upon their ability to serve," defence secretary Ash Carter told reporters. Carter said that within 90 days, the Pentagon would create a guide book for commanders on how to lead transgender service members and medical guidance to doctors. Within one year, transgender individuals would be allowed to join the armed forces, he said. Carter said that based on a study carried out by the Rand Corporation, there were about 2,500 transgender active-duty servicemembers and 1,500 reserve transgender service members. Still, Rand's figures were within a range, which at the upper end reached 7,000 active duty forces and 4,000 reserves. "The reality is that we have transgender service members serving in uniform today," Carter said, acknowledging the policy change will have implications for issues including deployment and medical treatment. He added that at least 18 countries already allowed transgender personnel to serve openly in their militaries. Carter announced in 2015 that he intended to lift the ban and laid out a series of steps, including a six-month study on the implications of lifting the restrictions. But advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community said the process, which eventually stretched to nearly a year, has taken too long. Advocates praised Carter's announcement today and said it followed several moves by the military to be more inclusive in the last decade. "I would hope that it showcases the fact that the sky will not fall, the world will not come apart, by us being a more inclusive and open society," said Matt Thorn, executive director of OutServe-SLDN, an advocacy group for LGBT military personnel. "I don't think anybody should be concerned or afraid about moving forward with this policy." But critics have argued that Carter is putting the political agenda of the Democratic administration of President Barack Obama ahead of military readiness. "Over the next few weeks, we are going to continue to push for actual answers to the readiness questions we’ve been asking for nearly a year to which we have still not received a response," Republican representative Mac Thornberry, chairman of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, said in a statement. (Reuters)

US Army ends ban on transgender people

A group of clerics in Pakistan declared marriage between transgender individuals permissible in Islam, saying they have a right to be buried in Muslim ceremonies, according to a copy of a religious edict Reuters obtained today.<br />
<br />
Transgender people also have full rights under Islamic inheritance law, the Tanzeem Ittehad-i-Ummat Pakistan, a little-known clerical body in the eastern city of Lahore, said in its fatwa.<br />
<br />
&quot;It is permissible for a transgender person with male indications on his body to marry a transgender person with female indications on her body,&quot; said the document, signed by 50 clerics and issued on Sunday.<br />
<br />
&quot;Also, normal men and women can also marry such transgender people as have clear indications on their body.&quot;<br />
<br />
But it did not say what these indications were.<br />
<br />
In 2012, Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court declared equal rights for transgender citizens, including the right to inherit property and assets, preceded a year earlier by the right to vote.<br />
<br />
Pakistani marriage law remains murkier, however. It denies homosexual couples permission to marry, with male homosexuals having been charged under anti-sodomy laws in the past.<br />
<br />
Sunday&#39;s fatwa declared marriage with any individual possessing both male and female &quot;indications&quot; to be against Islamic principles.<br />
<br />
Shunned by mainstream society, transgender individuals in the country of 190 million are often forced into begging, prostitution or dancing to earn a living.<br />
<br />
Late last month, Alisha, a 23-year-old transgender woman, died after being shot and then refused treatment at the largest public sector hospital in Peshawar, in northwest Pakistan.<br />
<br />
Her death sparked debate over the rights of transgender people, with an inquiry concluding that senior doctors at the hospital were responsible for &quot;criminal negligence&quot;, and recommending that criminal charges be filed.<br />
<br />
Transgender people are, however, also sometimes venerated in the South Asian tradition of according spiritual powers to eunuchs and others who fall outside traditional gender divisions.<br />
<br />
Although the Lahore clerics&#39; fatwa is not legally binding, it also recommended that people consider harassment of transgender people a crime under Islam.<br />
<br />
&quot;Making noises at transgender people, making fun of them, teasing them, or thinking of them as inferior is against sharia law, because such an act amounts to objecting to one of Allah&#39;s creations, which is not correct,&quot; it added.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

50 clerics declared that a transgender person with male indications on his body can marry a transgender with female indications on her body

A group of clerics in Pakistan declared marriage between transgender individuals permissible in Islam, saying they have a right to be buried in Muslim ceremonies, according to a copy of a religious edict Reuters obtained today. Transgender people also have full rights under Islamic inheritance law, the Tanzeem Ittehad-i-Ummat Pakistan, a little-known clerical body in the eastern city of Lahore, said in its fatwa. "It is permissible for a transgender person with male indications on his body to marry a transgender person with female indications on her body," said the document, signed by 50 clerics and issued on Sunday. "Also, normal men and women can also marry such transgender people as have clear indications on their body." But it did not say what these indications were. In 2012, Pakistan's Supreme Court declared equal rights for transgender citizens, including the right to inherit property and assets, preceded a year earlier by the right to vote. Pakistani marriage law remains murkier, however. It denies homosexual couples permission to marry, with male homosexuals having been charged under anti-sodomy laws in the past. Sunday's fatwa declared marriage with any individual possessing both male and female "indications" to be against Islamic principles. Shunned by mainstream society, transgender individuals in the country of 190 million are often forced into begging, prostitution or dancing to earn a living. Late last month, Alisha, a 23-year-old transgender woman, died after being shot and then refused treatment at the largest public sector hospital in Peshawar, in northwest Pakistan. Her death sparked debate over the rights of transgender people, with an inquiry concluding that senior doctors at the hospital were responsible for "criminal negligence", and recommending that criminal charges be filed. Transgender people are, however, also sometimes venerated in the South Asian tradition of according spiritual powers to eunuchs and others who fall outside traditional gender divisions. Although the Lahore clerics' fatwa is not legally binding, it also recommended that people consider harassment of transgender people a crime under Islam. "Making noises at transgender people, making fun of them, teasing them, or thinking of them as inferior is against sharia law, because such an act amounts to objecting to one of Allah's creations, which is not correct," it added. (Reuters)

Pakistani clerics declare transgender marriages permissible under Islamic law

The Pentagon is set to lift its ban on transgender troops within the coming weeks, US media reported&nbsp;Friday.<br />
<br />
The move would be another major milestone for America&#39;s vast military, which up until five years ago still banned gay troops from openly discussing their sexuality under a &quot;Don&#39;t Ask, Don&#39;t Tell&quot; policy.<br />
<br />
USA Today said the transgender announcement is expected&nbsp;July 1&nbsp;and the plan would require each branch of the military to phase in the new policy over a 12-month period.<br />
<br />
Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook declined to confirm reports, but said a decision was due &quot;soon.&quot;<br />
<br />
Currently, Pentagon rules allow transgender troops to be discharged from the military.<br />
<br />
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter last year ordered all military roles -- including combat positions -- to be opened to women.<br />
<br />
Maryland Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer welcomed the news.<br />
<br />
&quot;The reversal of the ban is a major step forward in the effort to secure the full rights and equality of LGBT people in our country, and it will strengthen our military by ensuring that talented, dedicated candidates are not turned away or discouraged from serving because of their gender identity,&quot; he said in a statement.<br />
<br />
The US military has about 1.3 million service members.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

Only five years ago the military was banning gay troops from openly discussing their sexuality under a 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy

The Pentagon is set to lift its ban on transgender troops within the coming weeks, US media reported Friday. The move would be another major milestone for America's vast military, which up until five years ago still banned gay troops from openly discussing their sexuality under a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. USA Today said the transgender announcement is expected July 1 and the plan would require each branch of the military to phase in the new policy over a 12-month period. Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook declined to confirm reports, but said a decision was due "soon." Currently, Pentagon rules allow transgender troops to be discharged from the military. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter last year ordered all military roles -- including combat positions -- to be opened to women. Maryland Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer welcomed the news. "The reversal of the ban is a major step forward in the effort to secure the full rights and equality of LGBT people in our country, and it will strengthen our military by ensuring that talented, dedicated candidates are not turned away or discouraged from serving because of their gender identity," he said in a statement. The US military has about 1.3 million service members. (AFP)

US Army to lift ban on transgenders: Reports

<p>The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people.</p>

<p>&quot;This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band,&quot; the American pop rock group said on its website on Friday.</p>

<p>&quot;We don&rsquo;t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right AS WE FEEL EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY.&quot;</p>

<p>With a law passed in March, North Carolina became the first state in the country to require transgender people to use multiple-occupancy public restrooms and changing facilities that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate rather than their gender identity.</p>

<p>The law, approved by the Republican-led legislature in a one-day special session, also blocks local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.</p>

<p>It has sparked lawsuits by both supporters and opponents of the law, and a mounting backlash from corporations, conventions, tourists and entertainers. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department asked a federal district court to declare that the state is violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman also backed out of a scheduled performance in North Carolina in protest of the law. Other performers who have canceled shows in the state include Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Boston, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and the group Cirque du Soleil.</p>

<p>The upcoming shows by Maroon 5, known for hits such as &ldquo;Moves Like Jagger,&rdquo; were to be held in Raleigh and Charlotte. The band&#39;s decision drew praise and criticism from fans posting comments on its website.</p>

<p>&quot;You shouldn&#39;t punish your fans who have no control over the politics!&quot; one post said.</p>

<p>Republican Governor Pat McCrory&#39;s campaign spokesman Ricky Diaz questioned the timing of the band&#39;s &quot;political statement.&quot; McCrory is up for re-election in November.</p>

<p>&quot;At this point, the only people they are hurting by hypocritically targeting North Carolina for selective outrage are their fans and the hardworking men and women servicing these shows while they keep tour dates overseas &ndash; even in Russia,&quot; Diaz said in a statement.</p>


The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people.

The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people. "This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band," the American pop rock group said on its website on Friday. "We don’t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right AS WE FEEL EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY." With a law passed in March, North Carolina became the first state in the country to require transgender people to use multiple-occupancy public restrooms and changing facilities that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate rather than their gender identity. The law, approved by the Republican-led legislature in a one-day special session, also blocks local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation. It has sparked lawsuits by both supporters and opponents of the law, and a mounting backlash from corporations, conventions, tourists and entertainers. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department asked a federal district court to declare that the state is violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act. On Tuesday, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman also backed out of a scheduled performance in North Carolina in protest of the law. Other performers who have canceled shows in the state include Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Boston, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and the group Cirque du Soleil. The upcoming shows by Maroon 5, known for hits such as “Moves Like Jagger,” were to be held in Raleigh and Charlotte. The band's decision drew praise and criticism from fans posting comments on its website. "You shouldn't punish your fans who have no control over the politics!" one post said. Republican Governor Pat McCrory's campaign spokesman Ricky Diaz questioned the timing of the band's "political statement." McCrory is up for re-election in November. "At this point, the only people they are hurting by hypocritically targeting North Carolina for selective outrage are their fans and the hardworking men and women servicing these shows while they keep tour dates overseas – even in Russia," Diaz said in a statement.

Maroon 5 cancels shows in North Carolina in protest against transgender bathroom law

transgender

Transgender, News on Transgender, stories on Transgender, articles on Transgender, Transgender stories at Wion, Transgender news, Transgender latest news