LGBTQ: LIVELIHOODS

A WHITE PAPER
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2

FOREWORD 3

DISCLAIMER 5

BACKDROP 6

KEY CONCEPTS AND TERMINOLOGY 8

UNDERSTANDING THE LGBTQ TERM 9

BEING LGBTQ IN GOA 10

METHODOLOGY 12

KEY FINDINGS 13

RECOMMENDATIONS 20

CONCLUSION 23

BIBLIOGRAPHY 26

1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Goa Livelihoods Forum (GLF) is indebted to many individuals who helped
make this White Paper a reality. This report was possible thanks to the
support and advice of the individuals and organizations.

Firstly, we are grateful to the lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender

individuals and allies who provided us with the responses and opinions and
shared deeply personal and often painful experiences with us.

Secondly we are grateful to FIDR for conceptualising, providing technical

support and guidance for this publication.

GLF acknowledges the contribution of the members of its Advisory Group

including Siddhartha Behera, Asha Dharmanand Vernekar, Dharmanand
Vernekar, Sanjib Dash and Prakash Kamat, Senior Asst. Editor, The Hindu,
Goa who played a critical role in sharing their insights and expertise on this
subject as well providing a valuable review of the final publication. We laud
the efforts of Divya Parmar who has done the groundwork & the collation of
this White Paper.

The Advisory Group comprises of the LGBT groups in Goa, a number of

Individual contributors, including: NGO Humsaath, NGO Darpan for
providing valuable information on the current scenario of LGBTQ in Goa.

Our gratitude to the Museum Of Goa (MOG) who has been instrumental in
designing & creating the platform to release India's first White Paper on
LGBTQ Livelihoods in Goa which would pave the way for many more such
initiatives , across the country.

2
FOREWORD
This White Paper on LGBTQ Livelihoods is a unique a empt to study
the ground situation concerning the livelihoods of the sexual minorities
without churning out reams of gobbledygook. The Paper has surveyed,
generated and reviewed data with regards to discrimination against LGBTQs
with a view to provide evidence based threads to a detailed impact
assessment of the discrimination on the economy of Goa and similarly on the
economies of different states of India.
The White paper, first-of-its-kind in India, is a great step towards
establishing a correlation between economic growth and higher levels of
inclusion of LGBTQ in the state and in the communities. In many ways this
paper is expected to bring in more disaggregation in 'LGBTQ-Economy”
trend analysis.
Economist Lee Badge has predicted that countries or societies with
more inclusion will have higher GDP per capita and his seminal work has
tried to measure inclusion – by developing three new measures, namely, i)
legal count index (LCI), which counts the number of supportive laws, ii) Legal
Environment Index (LEI) which measures pa erns of adoption of laws in
diverse se ings and iii) Global Acceptance Index (GAI) which is nothing but
public perception. A World Bank study of 2014 states that in India “exclusion
of LGBT people could be associated with as much as $ 32 billion worth of lost
economic output. These costs arise from the impact of violence and
employment discrimination on the ability of LGBT people to contribute to the
economy, the impact of bullying and exclusion on the educational a ainment
of LGBT people, the limitations imposed on LGBT people due to health
disparities and the burden on social and health services.”

Livelihoods of LGBTQ assume much greater significance, post the landmark

verdict of the Supreme Court which scrapped Section 377- the 158-year-old
archaic law on consensual gay sex. After decriminalisation, what? The
community now has the same rights as of any ordinary citizen of India. But do
the stressors, the restrictions and the impediments owing to discrimination
still continue to be business costs or burden on profit? A study on wage
differences in a few countries showed that gay men make 11% less than their
heterosexual counterparts. (Marieka Klawi er).

The White Paper has enumerated data through personal meetings, collated
information with the help of group discussions, analysed situations and
feedbacks from primary and secondary sources. There is much to be done by
the civil society, the government and the private workplace to secure the
livelihoods of LGBTQs. The skill gap in the community is appallingly wide;
3
access to public schemes and facilities is embarrassingly deficit. The
employed and the non-employed, both face discrimination, verbal
harassment, loss of credibility and lack of acceptance. Does this drive LGBTQs
underground? What about their livelihood avenues? It is a question of their
existence.

Goa is synonymous with soul soaring and is the most appropriate pulpit to
rejoice, engage and ventilate after years of hinged existence. It's time to fly for
the LGBTQ community. The White Paper, scheduled to be released in the gala
event “Freedom is in the Air” is to observe the solidarity of LGBTQs through
creativity, art and fellowship. It is also time we plan out focused interventions
for the livelihoods of LGBTQs, based on hardcore, ear-to-the-ground needs
assessment and appropriate strategies.

The White Paper is not an end in itself, it is just the beginning and I would urge
all to contribute to the paper with their inputs. Freedom is one thing, but
sustaining it responsibly is our duty. We in FIDR and GLF are commi ed to
making India a country that works for everyone. We want to root away the
barriers that hold people back so that everyone can the farthest with their hard
work and talent. Goa traditionally has been a diverse and tolerant society. We
have to make even more progress to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) people, who make a vital contribution to our culture and
to our economy.

From changing the law to transforming LGBTQ lives, this Paper, India's first
such livelihoods study, should give way to many more in-depth analysis to
help LGBTQ people cope and surmount significant barriers and aim at full
participation in the economy. I hope this White Paper, substantially improves
our understanding of the barriers that hold LGBTQ back and the
opportunities waiting. It should serve as a call to action.

CHARUDUTTA PANIGRAHI
MENTOR, FIDR

4
DISCLAIMER
All information in this document is provided for general information only
and is not in the nature of advice. It should not be relied upon for any purpose
and GLF makes no warranty or representation and gives no assurance as to its
accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose. Inclusion of
information about an individual, civil society organisation or programme in
this publication does not indicate GLF's endorsement. Where cited, you
should refer to the primary sources for more information. This report does not
necessarily reflect the views of GLF partners.

GLF reserves the right to make alterations to any of its documents without
notice. Reproduction and dissemination of this document is permied
provided that the document is unaltered and ownership is acknowledged.
Express permission of GLF is required for use of this document (in whole or in
part) if such use has the possibility of generating income for the licensee.

5
 We take pride in our community, even though all of
us are so different, we come together for our cause
in unison and celebrate the diversity

BACKDROP
“I am what I am so take me as I am,”

(The German thinker Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe as quoted by the Former
Chief Justice of India)

The LGBTQ people have received legitimacy with the decriminalisation of

Section 377 by the Supreme Court of India. Sexual relations between
consenting homosexual adults is no more a criminal act and this has drawn
diversity and pluralism into the centre stage of India's public discourse. Not
only was a 158-year-old controversial legal provision of section 377 struck
down, thus legitimizing same-sex relationships, it also signalled an end to
prejudice, which has arguably bedevilled India. It was presumably a blot in a
country believing in freedom of life and democracy.

“Social exclusion, identity seclusion and isolation from the social mainstream
are still the stark realities faced by individuals today and it is only when each
and every individual is liberated from the shackles of such bondage and is
able to work towards full development of his/her personality that we can call
ourselves (India) a truly free society,” the Supreme Court said. The landmark
judgement heralds a new era and marks the end of one phase of the long-
drawn ba le for social legitimacy by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and queer (LGBTQ+) community. However, other issues such as same sex
marriage, inheritance of property and civil rights are yet to receive legal
sanction.

The Court said, “Decriminalizing homosexuality was only the first step
toward guaranteeing freedom to the LGBTQ community and that the
Constitution envisaged much more. Human sexuality could not be confined
to a binary and the state had no business in intruding in these ma ers.
Treating homosexuality as a disorder or disease had a severe impact on the
mental health of homosexuals”. Calling LGBTQ+ people “victims of Victorian
morality” and se ing the ground for change in the future, the Court said: “It is
difficult to right a wrong by history. But we can set the course for the future.
This case involves much more than decriminalizing homosexuality. It's about
people wanting to live with dignity”.

Changing the law is one thing and transforming lives with dignity is quite

6
another. Dignity comes with security of livelihoods and economic
empowerment of LGBTQ. Economic reasoning is now forming a formidable
argument for LGBT inclusion: Unequal treatment of LGBT people, as it turns
out, can cause economic harm, leading to lower economic output for
individuals, businesses, states and even countries. And on the flip side,
inclusive policies can boost a state's GDP. The link between discrimination
and the economy can be direct. The skills and knowledge of LGBTQs need to
be upgraded for employers not to discriminate against them. Otherwise their
options get limited to work in less productive jobs. Injuries from physical
violence or the mental-health effects of stigma will mean poorer health for
LGBT workers, in turn reducing their productivity at work. Even in self-
employment, the financial institutions need to repose confidence in the
viability of the business and the management capabilities of the LGBTQ
entrepreneur. Disadvantaged workers can be detrimental to business.
Absenteeism, low productivity, inadequate training, and high turnover make
for higher labour costs and lower profits.

Even before ge ing into the economic mainstream, the policy makers and the
implementers should be aware of the skill gaps and the allied issues to draft
appropriate economic development policies for the community.

This White Paper is an overview of the LGBTQ people dwelling in Goa

highlighting the major concerns and issues that they have been facing in their
daily lives and ge ing them engaged in relevant livelihoods activities. This
paper analyses the opinions of the people from the community who were a
part of the dipstick survey. It will lay down the important key findings of the
survey which will then lead us to the recommendations to be undertaken to
ensure their inclusiveness and more importantly economic autonomy.

An important premise to bring out this report has been to offer an instrument
for further dialogues and policy changes in drafting future LGBTQ
legislations by the lawmakers, and with the support of the civil society
organizations. This report can be considered a baseline study for further
action in both legislative and policy areas.

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KEY CONCEPTS AND TERMINOLOGY

The target group of this LGBTQ dipstick survey are people who self-identify
as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The survey examines issues of
equal treatment and discrimination on two grounds, namely sexual
orientation and gender identity.

The following definitions were used during the survey.

Bisexual: a person who fancies/loves more than one gender or people
regardless of gender.
Gay: a man who fancies/loves other men. It can be used to describe a woman
who fancies/loves other women.
Gender expression: how we signal our gender identity to others, through
gender-related clothing, actions and behaviours.
Gender identity: how we relate to and feel about ourselves: like a woman,
man, neither, both. Gender identity refers to “each person's deeply felt
internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not
correspond with the sex assigned at birth, including the personal sense of the
body.
Gender- queer/ Gender fluid: relating to a person who does not subscribe to
conventional gender distinctions, identifies with neither, or both.
Hate crime/hate incident: a hate crime is a crime that is motivated by
prejudice. A hate incident is any event you feel has been motivated by
prejudice, even if it is not a crime.
Heterosexual/straight: a man who fancies/loves women or a woman who
fancies/loves men.
Homosexual: sexually a racted to people of same sex.
Homophobia: dislike or prejudice against homosexuals.
Lesbian: a woman who fancies/loves other women.
MSM: Men having sex with men.
Non-binary: a person who does not identify exclusively as a boy or as a girl.
Sexual orientation: how you see yourself and who you fancy/love Sexual
orientation refers to identity, conduct and relating to other persons
(relationships). It is generally assumed that persons are heterosexual,
homosexual (gay, or lesbian, orientation towards persons of the same gender)
or bisexual (oriented towards both genders).
Transgender: when how you feel about your gender identity (like a woman,
man, neither or both) is different from what people expected from you when
you were born.
Transphobia: discrimination, aversion to, against transgender people.

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UNDERSTANDING THE LGBTQ TERM...

While the “LGBTQ” label has been used as a self-designated cluster to denote
the group concerned in political and human rights discourse, this collective
designation is merely used as an overarching term. It is important to note that
many people considered as LGBTQ may individually not feel the need to
identify themselves under this designation. Other people, including intersex
persons or those who identify themselves as “queer”, may associate
themselves with the LGBTQ community, which can then be collectively
referred to as “LGBTQ”.

This heterogeneous group of persons is often stigmatized and faces

homophobia, transphobia, discrimination and the fear of being rejected by
family, relatives, friends and society at large due to their sexual orientation or
gender identity. For this reason, LGBTQ persons may not be able to share this
most intimate aspect of their private life with family, friends and colleagues.
The L, G, B, T & Q community is made up of groups who share common
struggles yet retain distinct traits, outlooks and characteristics. Based on this,
it cannot be assumed that same outreach and strategies will suffice the needs
of the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people.

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BEING LGBTQ IN GOA
Belonging to the LGBTQ community in this society is not seen as 'normal',
which is why the constant discrimination causes many to live unsatisfactory
lives, for a reason which they have no control over also which isn't anything to
be ashamed of. Amidst all this, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized a
158 year old Rule, enforced during the Victorian Era by the British. This has
been a path breaking move in the freedom of LGBTQ individuals' from the
ostracization they faced in the society, and in the assurance that a aining
equality of rights might be a slow and steady phenomenon, but indeed a
highly a ainable one, in the foreseeable future.

“I am gay, that's okay. I am lesbian that's okay, I am bisexual that's okay…”,

was the slogans by the members of the LGBTQ community during the Goa's
very first Rainbow Pride parade walk from the old secretariat to Miramar
beach held on the 28th of October 2017. A film festival was also held in the
capital city Panaji, in which movies on the struggles of the LGBTQ
community. the Parade was aimed at raising awareness about the rights of
the LGBTQ community and stretched from the Old Secretariat to Miramar
beach in which members of the LGBTQ community and general public took
part. This was the first of its kind Parade in Goa. The organisers felt that there
were several wrong notions about the community, which needed to be
addressed through this event. In 2017, the organisers felt that 80 per cent of the
LGBTQ members were not ready to openly speak about their preferences
fearing backlash from the society, friends or family. “People were sceptical
about admi ing that they belong to the LGBTQ community…We want to tell
the world that it is absolutely okay to be an LGBTQ. They are not the people,
who harm others as is presumed,” they say.

This was the first time in Goa that an event was organized by the community
and for the community to create awareness about the community in the state.
Even though the state and its people have not been overtly vocal, but the
community has been a centric element in the state of Goa, like every other
state or the country.

This year, 2018, the Rainbow Pride was again held on the October 27th 2018, to
celebrate the Supreme Court decision on the decriminalisation of Section 377
partially, recognising the presence of the LGBTQ community in India.

Currently there are three organizations, in Goa, registered to cater to the

needs of the MSM community, bisexual men and transgender i.e. Ngo
Humsaath, NGO Darpan, and NGO Rishta. The organisations have a
10
registered database of approximately 3000 people from the MSM community,
Transgender community and Bisexual men. 'Wajood', Goa's first Transgender
Organisation, is an organization which started on the April 15th, 2016 for the
welfare of transgender community in Goa

There was no official data available on the lesbians and the bisexual women.
And there are currently not many organisations registered or exclusively
working for them.

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METHODOLOGY
The analysis of the experiences and aspirations of the LGBTQ population of
Goa in this report is based on a survey conducted in September and October
2018, among self-identified LGBTQ adults, 18 years of age or older. The
survey was conducted through an open ended questionnaire. The responses
were recorded personally and telephonically and the interviews/meetings
spread over talukas. This helped the survey provide for a comprehensive
picture of the live experiences of the LGBTQ people across Goa. The results
presented reflect the collective experiences of the very large number of
individuals who answered the questionnaire. Besides individuals, NGOs,
civil society organisations, peer leaders, influencers and other stakeholders
were also contacted. This was a Dipstick survey with open end questions in it
where the respondents were free to speak up their mind. This can also be
called an exploratory survey because it was conducted to measure the scope
or depth of the LGBTQ issue and specifically the livelihoods of LGBTQs.

Respondents were asked questions about their experiences covering a range

of life nuances – notably employment, education, housing, health, and social
life, and emotional quotient, negative experiences like discrimination,
violence and harassment for being LGBTQ.

The GLF Research survey relied on a random sample of adults who have
agreed to be a part of the exercise. This was not an anonymous survey, but the
level of trust established between respondents and the survey team was high.
Consequently, some LGBTQ individuals were willing to identify themselves
as LGBTQ and take part in considerable research on sensitive issues (such as
drug use, sexual behaviour and even a endance at religious services) and a
range of other topics.

PROFILE OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS

a) AGE
The people who responded to the survey were aged 18-51.

b) GENDER IDENTITY and SEXUAL ORIENTATION

The respondents identified as women, men, non- binary,
gender queer and gender fluid.
57%- GAY 23%- LESBIANS 3%- BISEXUAL 17%- TRANSGENDER

c) OTHER DEMOGRAPHICS
Most of the respondents resided in majorly four Talukas of Goa
i.e. Tiswadi, Bardez, Mormugao and Salce e.
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KEY FINDINGS
A) VIEWS ON GOA

⚫ 77 % of LGBTQ individuals find Goa a 'good place to live'

⚫ 63% LGBTQ individuals said homophobia; transphobia

was a major problem for living in Goa

⚫ The average age of coming out

was a) Lesbians- 20
b) Gay- 19
c) Bisexuals- 21
d) Transgender- 16

⚫ 97% LGBTQ individuals were out to someone about their

orientations and identities.

⚫ 64% of the LGBTQ population was unaware of any civil

society organization working for the LGBTQ community.

VIEWS ON GOA
Content living in Goa

Transphobia as a problem

Out of the closet to some people

Unaware of any organisations

What is the need of coming out? What is coming out?

Do the straight people need to come
out saying hey I am straight

13
 I suffered more discrimination in school years,
that's the main place where it all stems from.
The people including teachers are openly homophobic

B) EDUCATION

⚫ Over 71% respondents referred to school or education as the place in which

they experienced most discrimination.

⚫ 36% said that there school experience was fairly bad.

⚫ 57% experienced bullying, teasing in school on grounds of being

LGBTQ.

⚫ The percentage was close to 98% percent for the transgender.

⚫ 87 % of transgender left education as a result of homophobia/

transphobia in educational institutions.

⚫ Nearly all LGBTQ individuals who experienced bullying, harassment said it

negatively impacted their educational aŠainments.

EDUCATION
Experienced discrimination the
most in schools
Fairly bad experience in schools
Experienced bullying, teasing
because of their identity.
Left education due to discrimination

The younger generations need to be sensitized,

educated. LGBTQ- phobia is deep rooted since
school years- it stems from a place of ignorance

14
 C) HEALTH

⚫ 61% experienced mental health problems and associated behaviours

⚫ 87% experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

Health
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
Health
40%
30%
20%
10%

Mental Health Problems Suicidal Tendencies

D) LIVING AND HOUSING

⚫ Almost all LGBTQ individuals had proper permanent address, which
was an entirely opposite scenario in terms of transgender community.
⚫ Transgender respondents were more likely to have left
home under negative circumstances.

E) WORKPLACE
⚫ 63% of LGBTQ in employment had experienced verbal abuse at
work and had experienced rumours about them.
⚫ 72% LGBTQ responded that this discrimination at workplace
directly hinders their career growth.
⚫ 95% of the transgender population feels that they do not
have enough opportunities.

It's a community full of colours. Having fun constantly

through group parades etc, helps us to feel stronger,
boosts confidence and ba le the societal demons

15
 Being around friends is probably the safest I feel

F) SOCIAL LIFE

⚫ 72 % said that there weren't enough places where they could socialize
safely and be open about their sexual orientation and gender identity.

⚫ Gay men were more likely to say that there are enough places to
socialize.

⚫ 72% LGBTQ individuals said that they feel more included in the
LGBTQ community itself than the wider community.

⚫ Transgender people were much less likely to feel included in the

LGBTQ community or wider community as well.

⚫ LGBTQ individuals generally socialized in bars, parks and cafes.

⚫ Few respondents did not socialize at all; as they feared that it would
reveal their identity to the people and might then become a talk of
the town.

⚫ The LGBTQ community people opined that good support networks,

friends, and supportive and accepting families help make life easier.

⚫ The LGBTQ individuals opined that the unity in diversity was one
of the strongest and one of the most favourite things about their
community.

G) DISCRIMINATION

⚫ LGBTQ people responded that they faced discrimination

at a)Workplace- 35%
b) Health+ housing-39%
c) Streets- 37%
d) Public services
e) Bathrooms/Toilets- 68%
f) Bars/clubs- 31%.

Least discriminating place is college, as people

are far more accepting and inclusive

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Gender neutral bathrooms around public spaces is a must

DISCRIMINATION
80%
70%
60%

Discrimination
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Workplace Housing bathrooms Clubs
and
+

Health Streets Public Bars

⚫ Of those who a ended college, LGBTQ respondents when asked to

reflect where in the wider community they faced least
discrimination they said college.

⚫ LGBTQ individuals face discrimination in more or less all areas of

public life.

H) DECRIMINALIZATION OF SEC 377

⚫ 67% LGBTQ individuals feels that even after the decriminalization

the current challenges of the community will not fade away.

⚫ 72% LGBTQ population still feels apprehensive that they could be

unfairly fired, denied housing or be turned away from public spaces
because of their gender identities and sexual orientation.

67% of the LGBTQ population feels that to seek support from the
government is futile.

DECRIMINALISATION OF 377
No changes in the current
challenges faced by them
Apprehensive discrimination
still continuing
Seeking help from the
government is futile

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SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
Like everyone else, LGBTQ people are being socialised into thinking that
being non-heterosexual is somehow “weird”, “bad”, “wrong” or “immoral”.
This has lead to feelings of self-disgust and self-hatred. These feelings have (in
some cases) lead to “internalised homophobia” also known as “internalised
oppression”. Internalised homophobia and oppression have happened to
LGBTQs who have learned and been taught that heterosexuality is the norm
and “prudence”. Hearing and seeing negative depictions of LGBTQ people
have led to internalise these negative messages. Some LGBTQ people suffer
from mental distress as a result. A general sense of personal worth and also a
positive view of their sexual orientation are low and have affected their
mental health. Many had hidden (about 40%) their sexual orientation, early in
life, for a long time. The survey revealed that the average age for men to realise
their sexual orientation was teens or post teen when they actually confided in
someone. It is during these formative years when they got to understand and
acknowledge their sexual orientation that internalised homophobia affected
them.

From the survey it was learnt that internalised homophobia manifested itself
in varying ways in most of the respondents which can be linked to mental
health. In fact, they were not sure about their sanity for a long time (self-
doubts). Examples as shared include:
⚫ Denial of their sexual orientation to themselves and others
⚫ A empts to alter or change their sexual orientation
⚫ Feeling they are never good enough.
⚫ Engaging in obsessive thinking and/or compulsive behaviours.
⚫ Under-achievement or even over-achievement as a bid for acceptance.
⚫ Low self-esteem, negative body image.
⚫ Not liking the more open or obvious members of
the LGBTQ community.
⚫ Contempt for those at earlier stages of the coming out process.
⚫ Denial that homophobia, heterosexism, biphobia or sexism is
serious social problems.
Contempt for those that are not like “ourselves” or contempt for those
who seem like ourselves. Sometimes distancing by engaging in
homophobic behaviours – ridicule, harassment, verbal or
physical a acks on other LGBTQ people.
⚫ Projection of prejudice onto another target group.
⚫ Becoming psychologically abused or abusive or remaining in
an abusive relationship.

18
⚫ Attempts to pass as heterosexual, sometimes marrying someone of the other
sex to gain social approval or in hope of 'being cured'.
⚫ Increased fear and withdrawal from friend and relatives.
⚫ Shame or depression; defensiveness; anger or bi erness.
⚫ School truancy or dropping out of school. Also, work place absenteeism or
reduced productivity.
⚫ Continual self-monitoring of one's behaviours, mannerisms, beliefs, and ideas.

⚫ Clowning as a way of acting out society's negative stereotypes.

⚫ Mistrust and destructive criticism of LGBTQ community leaders.
⚫ Reluctance to be around or have concern for children for fear of being seen as
a paedophile.
⚫ Conflicts with the law.
⚫ Unsafe sexual practices and other destructive risk-taking behaviours-including
risk for HIV and other STIs.
⚫ Separating sex and love, or fear of intimacy. Sometimes low or lack of sexual
drive or celibacy.
⚫ Substance abuse, including drink and drugs.
⚫ Thinking about suicide, attempting suicide, committing suicide.

It's good to be openly talking and discussing issues

regarding LGBTQ orientations, as it helps to boost ones
morale to know that people around you are going
through same issues
19
 People need to be educated about identities and
why one must respect and celebrate identities

RECOMMENDATIONS
It is important for the society and the government to realise that the LGBTQ
individuals should not have to be treated differently than the rest.

SOCIAL CHANGE EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION

The a itudes towards LGBTQ individuals are still much the same even after
the decriminalization. The community particularly faces homophobic and
transphobic a itudes. With the decriminalization, it is important to
counterbalance such a itudes and deep rooted prejudices by disseminating
unbiased and factual information on different orientation and gender
identities in media, school, colleges and society at large. Females who identify
or rather relate as guys, or men who are effeminate are the category of
Lesbian, Gays and Bisexuals who due to their non-binary characteristics come
under the scrutiny of the society. For the people to accept it, they need to be
first educated about the ABC's of the LGBTQ community.

CHANGE IN KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE & PRACTICE

The invisibility of the LGBTQ individuals and the absence of any form of
discussion on gender identity or sexual orientation in schools/colleges and
relevant civil society and human rights forum has contributed to moulding
these firmly embedded ignorant a itudes and perceptions in the society.

EARLY LIFE SENSITISATION

There need to be awareness campaigns organised for the students, teachers,
and parents and in offices. A strategic template of Awareness campaigning
tool kit should be devised with expert intervention from the community. This
tool kit should be a part of a mandatory awareness class in schools and a
mandatory presentation to be conducted at workplaces. This would help
people understand the ni y-gri ies of the community needs and educate
them about the community.

GOVERNANCE
There should be a special cell in the government, ideally under the MSJE
(Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) to deal with LGBTQ issues and
policies.

20
 Just like anti- ragging, sexual harassment policies,
there is dire requirement of zero tolerance policies on
homophobic/transphobic harassment in schools,
colleges and workplaces etc

LEGAL STANDARDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED/

PROTECTION AGAINST VIOLENCE
Discriminatory and inflammatory language has been a constant trend against
the LGBTQ individuals, including politicians and religious figures. Hence it's
now the need of the hour to step up policy advocacy efforts to combat hatred
against LGBTQ person.

The state must adopt effective legislation to prohibit and eliminate

discrimination against individuals with different sexual orientation and
gender identities. Equal treatment legislation should be mainstreamed with
appropriate LGBTQ harassment policy measures.

They clearly need more protection while reporting cases of physical, mental,
sexual abuse, hate crimes, and verbal harassment cases. Under reporting of
such crimes is what highlights the improper protection policies by law
enforcement agencies.

As a part of the Anti- discriminatory legislations, commi ee should be set up

to constantly look into the issues of discrimination, homophobic, transphobic
instances and hate crimes. A no tolerance policy towards such discrimination
would contribute to make this society a breathable one for the community.

GENDER RECOGNITION
Transgender community faces significant hardships to get their preferred
gender legally recognized. The unclear and cumbersome procedure to change
their documentation or to make a newer one makes it difficult for them to
pursue education or employment opportunities. There is urgent need for the
state to look into making the process to apply for legal documents.

ACCESS TO HEATH CARE, EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

The LGBTQ communities have encountered and are still facing a wide range
of problems in health care sector. When it comes to the health professionals,
the limited knowledge and awareness about the transgender health problems
has been an identified obstacle. Moreover statement such as “homosexuality
is an illness” is widely recorded from our lawmakers. Proper institutional set
up to cater to the mental and physical health needs of the LGBTQ individuals
is one of the fundamental shift that should be a focus in health sector, to be
inclusive of the community.

Health services need to be made aware of the different

identities, difference in needs among the LGBTQ community
21
 Educating the people about the gender identities and
sexual orientations is an absolute necessity to dispel the
myths about the LGBT community

Social acceptance is one paradigm which has to be ascertained for an all-

inclusive equal society. This should be looked into with a Non-discrimination
legislation which should be the first step towards combating discrimination in
the workplace, colleges against LGBTQ persons, but it needs to be effectively
implemented.

The negative stereotypes about the LGBTQ individuals lead to discrimination

and bullying. This has to be tackled with proper awareness campaigns about
the rights and social acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. These should
particularly focus on schools, colleges, youth with expanded education about
the different gender identities (transgender, intersex).
The transgender individuals face particular problem when accessing the
labour markets. They do not get employment in any sector due to their
identities. Issues concerning privacy and disclosure of gender identity
history are common at workplace for the LGBTQ person.
The transgender community has been directly affected in terms of education,
due to the discrimination they faced. They should be given the opportunity to
enrol themselves in schools and complete basic education. Financial support
should be provided by the government.
Also the transgender community need to be given a push towards achieving
success in employment opportunities. They can hence earn their livelihood
by doing something they love to do as the community believes through
earning from any profession, than living on charity.
For example, a transgender woman wanting to set up a beauty salon or
catering business can do so with the help of government, by the guidelines of
registering as SHG's.

DATA COLLECTION ON THE COMMUNITY

It is important to gather official statistical records as a part of the census
survey on the LGBTQ individuals. Without such data there can be no solid
base for an informed decision making and monitoring.
As a part of this, data collection mechanism can be set up with the help of civil
society organizations to properly address the privacy concerns and start
developing policies to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual
orientation and gender identity.

The government should take the onus of creating and generating new reports
with accurate data to light issues including:

⚫ Transgender / gender legal recognition

⚫ Health, education, employment inequalities
22
CONCLUSION
The general population shouldn't be in a state of denial about LGBTQ
presence and take recourse to “It can't happen to me” syndrome. LGBTQ is
not an aberration and this needs to be made an awareness campaign on a
Mission mode. Mere change in law wouldn't help if we don't practice that in
day-to-day life. The GLF study showed that, in general, high school students
do not spontaneously discuss homosexuality unless they have relatives or
friends who are homosexual. Some young people said they were afraid of
becoming gay because of the rejection of friends and society. School is one of
the first places where a child will witness hostile a itudes and behaviours
towards homosexuals and homosexuality in general. On the contrary, it can
be a place where they learn to accept each other and themselves the way they
are, and that love is beautiful, no ma er the genders of the people involved.
That's why it essential to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools.

Given below are a few ideas which came out after discussions during the
survey:
1. LGBTQ KIOSK : Organize a kiosk with information material and
make those documents available to students throughout the school
2. Put posters of the annual campaign against
homophobia and transphobia.
3. Request a resolution to protect your students who identify as
lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or other sexual minority (e.g. : add
homophobia and transphobia to the things not allowed in school,
creating gender neutral toilets.
4. Organize a flag raising ceremony with the rainbow flag.
5. Have an artistic or craft activity around the rainbow flag
6. Highlight the contribution of LGBTQ in your subject (eg: History
of LGBTQ Rights, famous LGBTQ authors, contributions of
LGBTQ people in science or sports, etc.)
7. Have the students make a presentation related to LGBTQ
issues (LGBTQ authors, LGBTQ rights in history, LGBTQ
situation in the world, LGBTQ rights debate, etc.).
8. Organize a thematic conference.
9. Raise funds for an LGBTQ association or a civil society
organisation or a NGO
10. Invite a Guest speaker to offer a teacher training program, or to
speak about LGBTQ people in front of the students
11. Suggest that students commit themselves against homophobia
and transphobia by signing a petition.

23
12. Organize a discussion around a work that addresses LGBTQ
issues (book, film, artwork, song, etc.).
13. Put a special display in the school library to promote books
about homophobia, bullying or LGBTQ people.
14. Show a video or movie clip that addresses LGBTQ issues.

GLF advocates for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ)

businesses at every level of government and business affairs, convening a
broad cross-section of the LGBTQ business community, and our key partners
(the CSOs, the NGOs, Social clubs, the state government), to develop and
implement policy, establish a clear and persuasive voice in government and
business affairs, and play an active role in Goa. Once all relevant information
to the LGBTQ issue is gathered, GLF will analyse the item including how it
might affect the civil society membership, employment, small businesses, the
greater community, etc.

There should be regular public release of position statements and the civil
society unanimously should constitute a Public Policy Commi ee in Goa to
provide regular briefing and status report on LGBTQ. Promoting health
equity for LGBTQ older adults is required and hence there is a pressing need
for a comprehensive approach to public policy to ensure high-quality care,
responsiveness in service delivery, and a comprehensive knowledge base to
support the development and evaluation of policies and interventions,
specifically in health.

While health disparities are evident among LGBTQ older adults, significant
information gaps remain about LGBTQ older adult health and well-being.
Obtaining quality information on the health and well-being of LGBTQ older
adults is necessary to identify policy initiatives needed to promote health
equity. Yet, sexual orientation and gender identity measures rarely are
included in public health and aging surveys. Inclusions of such measures are
necessary and they should be directed to younger and middle-age adults, and
not exclude older adults. It is critical to be er understand health disparities
through the collection of quality data. Population-level data are needed to
establish the nature and scope of health disparities. This needs to be taken up,
keeping the NFHS survey of the government in view.

Policy innovations are needed to ensure accessibility to services and

information as well as to the development and integration of innovative

24
preventive health initiatives. To support such efforts, there must be greater
opportunities for LGBTQ as consumers, to be actively involved on boards and
commissions that plan and develop services and programs. This would result
in tangible “mainstreaming'.

It should be taken as the political, social and economic impetus to take

concrete steps to develop and implement effective policies for preventing
sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in the state of Goa. The
national and state structures have an important role to promote equality and
to ensure inclusiveness of the LGBTQ individuals and also provide constant
monitoring to measure progress in various fields. The civil society
organizations representing the LGBTQ individuals should be able to
contribute to the process.

Even though the change in legal rights i.e. marriage rights, adoption rights,
inheritance rights is to take shape, the advocacy campaigns need to be
consistently active to put them on the forefront of the policy initiatives.

Change in the society won't happen overnight, but small steps, every single
day, to raise the LGBTQ profile would help in the livelihoods of the
individuals. Groups and in turn would raise the GDP and productivity of the
state of Goa.

25
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Email: [email protected] | Phone: 7030014567 | www.goalivelihoods.com