The foundation of human society is built on equality, respect, and freedom. Yet in reality, some groups are still pushed out of the social mainstream. Their identity, rights, and existence are denied. Those dismissed under labels like “Hijra” or “Kinnar” continue to struggle for their basic human rights.
The term LGBTQ goes far beyond “Hijra” or “Kinnar.” It includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer identities. The “+” symbol represents Intersex, Asexual, and other gender identities that exist beyond conventional categories.
To address these issues, Marathwada Mitra Mandal College organized a special session on LGBTQ awareness. The speaker was Bindumadhav Khire, who has been working for more than two decades for the health, dignity, and rights of the LGBTQ community. Alongside him were Vaidehi, a transgender home guard who built her place in society through resilience, and Anil, a gay activist who continues to advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Bindumadhav Khire emphasized:
“The LGBTQ community doesn’t need sympathy; they need empathy. If a boy in class behaves like a girl, there’s no need to scold him. Such behavior is normal, and children must be taught this. There’s nothing wrong if such people are few in number. Society’s rejection destroys their mental health. Sexuality is not a disease, and it cannot be changed by any medical treatment. In fact, so-called ‘Conversion Therapy’ is nothing but professional malpractice.”
He also underlined the role of the media:
Media is not just a messenger of information but an agent of social change. The way the media portrays LGBTQ people is the way society perceives them. That’s why the media carries a huge responsibility in creating awareness.
Gay vs. Transgender – Understanding the Difference
Khire clarified an important distinction:
“A gay person’s physical sex aligns with their attraction to the same sex. In the case of transgender people, their body may be male, but their mind, behavior, and identity function as female. Society must learn to understand this difference.”
Vaidehi, a transgender home guard, shared her journey:
“I completed my 12th grade and enrolled for B.Tech. But the environment there never accepted me. That’s when I realised that I was transgender. I was forced into the Hijra tradition and had to beg for a while.
But one thing was always clear—I wanted to live as a woman, not as a beggar. It felt like being trapped within four walls. Luckily, I got a job as a home guard. Now I want to pursue a law degree.
Yet, even today, I struggle to find a house because society views us as sex workers. I would like to clear that, not every transgender person is a sex worker. We, too, have dreams, careers, and relationships.”
Anil challenged a common misconception:
“Just because a man likes to wear a sari and behave like a girl. It doesn’t only mean LGBTQ. My gender is male, but I can still be attracted to men. That doesn’t mean I need to live like a woman.
Every LGBTQ person’s identity is different, and each deserves to live with dignity according to their own identity.
Society often considers Dalits as the lowest rung. But I would say the LGBTQ community is treated even lower. We are forced to see begging as our only option. That’s why we need affirmative measures—something like reservations—to ensure our rights.”
Khire also shared the example of Vijaya, a transgender girl from a tribal community:
“Vijaya was accepted wholeheartedly by her family because in tribal society, there is no strict divide between boy and girl. For them, being human is what matters most. That’s why she lives with dignity today.”
This example shows that even without formal education, some communities prioritize humanity over gender differences. Yet, mainstream society remains trapped in misconceptions and prejudice.
For the LGBTQ community, what is needed today is not just social acceptance, but also:
- Protection of mental health
- Safety and security
- Equal rights
As supporters of human rights, we must respect the identity of every individual in society. Never deny someone’s humanity simply because of gender differences. Equality, empathy, and social change — these are the true answers of our time.
