OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE MINISTER
GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI
New Delhi
24/12/2018
On December 17, 2018, the Lok Sabha passed the Government of India’s Transgender Persons
(Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018, with 27 amendments to its previous version.
Transgender,
intersex and gender non confirming community from across the country and allies have
together opposed this amended Bill, which apart from an improved definition of the term
transgender, continues to be unacceptable and needs to be redrafted or withdrawn.
At this time when the uproar is on the said bill, Minister Social Welfare Rajendra Pal Gautam taken a step ahead to support the community giving them a platform to perform their art on stage and recognize them.
.First time in the history of India, A Queer Art Festival supported by any Indian government, Government of NCT of Delhi, THE RED FESTIVAL 2.0 by THE QUART PROJECT
.First time an award ceremony by any Indian government, Government of NCT of Delhi, to recognize LGBTQIA+ community as THE RED ACHIEVER AWARDS by THE QUART PROJECT.
.Asmita Theatre Group commenced with the play titled ‘Pehchaan’ which showcased the problems and issues faced by TG community in their daily lives.
.We need to give them their desired space as an equal citizen of this nation which is guaranteed to them by the constitution.
.Board to work on healthcare issues, health insurance covering Gender Confirmation Surgery, mental health services at Primary healthcare centres and training of counsellors.
.Committee suggested Medical Council of India to offer Post Graduate degrees in Transgender Healthcare.
For the first time in the history of Delhi Govt. Social Welfare Ministry has partnered with the Trans Community for The Red Festival 2.0, held on December 23, 2018 at DDA Ground, Dwarka, Sec 13, Delhi.
The festival proved to be a marquee event providing a mass platform to showcase the talents of Trans Community whose voices have hitherto remained unheard to the mainstream society.
Surprisingly, before the performance began an individual from some NGO said, “Such performances are not allowed in our society as it is not a part of our culture. It raised the tensions amongst the TG community as this statement hurt their sentiments. But later on, after the intervention of the authorities’ things came down to cool up to certain extent.
Social Welfare Minister, Rajendra Pal Gautam presented the awards to the best performers and the activist working for the upliftment of the community.
Minister expressed his views that society must accept such citizens and recognised their talents. TG community needs to be given equal opportunities like other underprivileged categories. Their achievements and goals needs to be appreciated.
The event commenced with a play titled ‘Pehchaan’ by the Asmita Theatre Group. After that various theatre and dance performances gathered the attention of the audience. The performances were spellbound and everyone presented their surprised by the way the artist performed on stage.
Minister applauded the performances and said it is unfortunate on society’s part that this community did not get their proper representation. And for the survival they have to be dependent on undignified jobs. They should also get due respect and live the dignified life, but society need to change the perspective for their outlook.
We need to give them their desired space as an equal citizen of this nation which is guaranteed to them by the constitution.
This one of its kind platform would give a chance to the citizens of Delhi to interact with LGBTQIA+ community and watch live performances by the Trans for the first time ever. Drag and Transgender performers too will have an open platform for the first time creating history.
For the welfare of the community, Minister formed the transgender committee working to form the transgender board.
The committee suggested working on areas like healthcare facilities, empowerment, education and employment.
In healthcare issues, health insurance covering Gender Confirmation Surgery, mental health services at Primary healthcare centres and training of counsellors.
Medical Council of India to offer Post Graduate degrees in Transgender Healthcare.
It is also suggested that NALSA judgement should be implemented at the earliest for which single window for self affirmation is required as right to identity as Male/Female/TG. There should be omission of Gender from all Educational Forms/Certificates.
It is also suggested to issue of Transgender Certificates instead of Transgender Identity Cards. This will aid in issuing social security benefits to those TG wish to avail them.
There should also be inclusion of Govt run Gender-friendly hostels/transit homes for TG who is forced to move out of abusive homes.
