The right-wing Bhartiya Janta Party’s (BJP) ascent toward Parliament has not shaken the confidence of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Contrary to expectations, in fact, many activists and members of the LGBT community, are optimistic that Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi would live up to his promise of being inclusive.
Prominent transgender rights activist, Laxmi, hoped that Modi, as the next Prime Minister, would he receptive of the LGBT community’s concerns. “For me the PM is the PM of India and is answerable to all Indians,” she said.
The LGBT community has been fighting a long battle for decriminalisation of homosexuality and equal rights under the Constitution.
However, the latest blow came in the form of a Supreme Court ruling in December, which upheld Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises sexual activities seen as “against the order of nature,” which includes homosexual acts.
The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS), which is recognised as BJP’s ideological fount, has spoken in favour of the Section 377 as late as March, just before the Lok Sabha elections took off.
Further, several BJP leaders, including party President Rajnath Singh have been vocal in their opposition to decriminalisation of homosexuality.
However, Laxmi said it was important for Modi to maintain the dignity and honour for the entire country, immaterial of party lines.
Human rights activist and founder and executive director of The Naz Foundation, which provides a variety of services to gays, lesbians, transgendered and those impacted by HIV/AIDS, also expressed hope in the upcoming administration. She said they were still fighting for decriminalisation of homosexuality and hoped that the new Government, under Modi, would be more sympathetic to the concerns of the LGBT community.
However, not all members of the community are as optimistic.
Siddhartha (name changed), a PhD student in the University of Delhi, who is a homosexual, fears that pressure from RSS would, at the least, mean there is no forward movement in fight for LGBT rights.
“BJP has made no bones about where it stands. Even when the SC judgment came out (upholding Section 377) BJP leaders had lauded the move. What makes you think they would have a change of heart now?”, he said.