Creating a Safe and Inclusive Educational Space
Educational institutions in India still have a long way to go in ensuring safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for queer and transgender students. While legal rulings like the NALSA judgment (2014) and the Navtej Johar case (2018) have helped improve visibility and rights, many institutions continue to operate within rigid gender binaries. Students and professionals have highlighted several challenges, from insensitive faculty to a lack of basic facilities such as gender-inclusive washrooms.
Challenges Faced by LGBTQIAP+ Students
1. Discrimination and Ridicule
Many queer and trans students experience bias and harassment in higher education. Yamya, a queer student from West Bengal, revealed that even faculty members at a progressive private university failed to move beyond the gender binary, discouraging open conversations on gender diversity.
Similarly, Dr. Praacchi Rathod, a transwoman training as an orthopedic surgeon in Telangana, faced insensitivity and ridicule from her classmates and faculty members. Myra, a nurse from Maharashtra, experienced voyeurism as a nursing student but was fortunate to receive support from one professor, helping her complete her education.
2. Lack of Institutional Awareness
Despite claiming to be inclusive, many institutions fail to implement meaningful changes. Sal, a queer legal researcher, pointed out how reputed universities outwardly support diversity but in practice, lack an understanding of LGBTQIAP+ issues. This superficial support does little to address real challenges faced by queer students.
Key Areas for Reform
1. Gender-Inclusive Facilities
- Many institutions lack gender-inclusive washrooms, forcing trans and non-binary students to choose between male or female facilities, triggering gender dysphoria.
- Vihaan, a transmasculine student, fought for gender-inclusive hostels but found that washroom facilities remained unchanged.
2. Anti-Discrimination Policies
- The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 mandates anti-discrimination policies and the creation of transgender protection cells in educational institutions. However, compliance remains inconsistent.
- Stronger anti-ragging measures must protect queer and trans students from harassment.
3. Inclusive Curriculum and Faculty Training
- Many faculty members lack awareness about gender and sexual diversity, reinforcing gender binaries in classrooms.
- Institutions must incorporate LGBTQIAP+ perspectives into curricula and provide sensitivity training for faculty.
4. Representation and Support Groups
- Queer student groups should be allowed to form on campuses to provide peer support and raise awareness.
- Regular workshops and sensitization programs on SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression, Sex Characteristics) must be conducted.
Legal and Policy Support
- The NALSA judgment (2014) affirmed the right to self-identify gender, paving the way for gender-affirmative policies in education.
- The Navtej Johar verdict (2018) decriminalized homosexuality, making it legally safer for queer students to be open about their identities.
- However, setbacks like the withdrawal of NCERT’s gender diversity teacher training material in 2021 highlight the need for stronger implementation of gender-inclusive policies.
The Way Forward
- Mandatory Gender-Inclusive Infrastructure – Ensure washrooms, hostels, and campus spaces are accessible to all gender identities.
- Institutional Accountability – Create anti-discrimination bodies in compliance with the Transgender Persons Act and enforce anti-ragging measures.
- Curriculum and Faculty Sensitization – Include LGBTQIAP+ narratives in academic content and provide training to faculty and staff.
- Student Representation – Allow queer student collectives to operate freely and conduct awareness programs.
- Behavioral Change through Education – Encourage inclusivity through positive reinforcement, not punishment.
Making Indian educational institutions truly queer- and trans-inclusive requires not just policy changes but systematic shifts in attitudes and awareness. Without active efforts, many students will continue to struggle for their right to education in a safe and supportive environment.
