Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 27 Mar: A peaceful protest was held today at Gandhi Park, here, under the joint leadership of ‘Uttarakhand Insaniyat Manch’ and ‘Uttarakhand Mahila Manch’, in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ and transgender community.
The protest was organised against the recently passed Transgender Amendment Bill 2026 in the Rajya Sabha. Protesters strongly opposed the bill, stating that it undermines the fundamental rights, dignity, and the principle of self-identification of transgender individuals.
Speakers expressed deep concern that the bill poses a serious threat to the future of transgender children and the upcoming generation. They emphasised that, by focusing primarily on socio-cultural identity, the bill may push transgender individuals into unnecessary medical interventions, thereby violating their Right to Privacy.
Additionally, concerns were raised that the bill could impose restrictions on cultural expression and traditional identities of the transgender community. Protesters also highlighted provisions that may include strict punishments ranging from 10 to 14 years, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within the community.
During the protest, members of the community and social activists urged the government to withdraw the bill immediately. As a symbolic act of dissent, copies of the bill were burned.
The protest saw participation from a large number of transgender individuals, activists, and concerned citizens. Speakers emphasised that this is not just a community issue, but a broader fight to protect constitutional values of equality, freedom, and dignity.
The key demands were: Immediate withdrawal of the Transgender Amendment Bill 2026; full protection of the right to self-identification; safeguarding the future and privacy rights of transgender children; Inclusive and community-based policy-making.
Among those present was Hardeep Singh, Storyteller, Community Organiser and Founder of Queer Collective Dehradun.
