Geetanjali Misra

This summary encapsulates the salient issues addressed in a keynote presentation by Geetanjali Misra, delivered during the second plenary session at the AsiaPacific Outgames, specifically focusing on "Our rights across the Asia Pacific region - a snapshot." The event took place at the Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall, featuring an introduction by David Huebner, the United States Ambassador to New Zealand.

Misra's insightful presentation provided an overview of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in India, specifically shedding light on the journey of the lesbian movement within the country's traditional and complex societal fabric. Misra highlighted the unique challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals in India, where the population is vast and discussions about sexuality are generally avoided. Misra pointed out the stereotypes that often misrepresent LGBTQ+ individuals as belonging exclusively to the urban educated elite and discussed the influence of Hindu fundamentalism, particularly the BJP party, which has reinforced traditional notions of heteronormative relationships.

In discussing the advancements of the movement, Misra acknowledged the role of the strong civil society in India and the significant HIV/AIDS funding received in the late 1980s which brought LGBTQ+ issues to the forefront, even though the relationship with the women’s movement and HIV/AIDS funding wasn't always straightforward. Despite the slow start of the lesbian movement compared to that in some Western countries, catalytic events such as the marriage of two policewomen and the release of the feature film "Fire" were instrumental in mobilizing public support and awareness.

The presentation highlighted the impact of "Fire" not only in generating discussion but also provoking a vehement reaction from conservative groups, notably the Shiv Sena’s women’s wing. Despite these setbacks, the LGBTQ+ community rallied, organizing protests and public demonstrations that were unprecedented for lesbians in India.

Misra emphasized the movement’s subsequent action, turning its attention to the draconian Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a colonial-era law criminalizing "unnatural offenses." The movement's efforts paid off when, after years of advocacy, the Delhi High Court decriminalized private, consensual sex among adults in 2009, ruling that Section 377 violated constitutional rights.

Despite this landmark legal victory, Misra underscored that there remained much to be done in terms of both law and societal acceptance. Advocacy was needed to address ongoing discrimination in areas such as family and employment law, as well as to encourage the societal internalization of the judgment’s principles of tolerance.

In conclusion, Misra's presentation painted a vivid picture of the LGBTQ+ rights journey in India, chronicling the struggles, victories, and ongoing efforts to ensure equality and dignity for all. The session not only reasserted the importance of human rights advocacy but also brought to light the resilience and tenacity of the Indian LGBTQ+ movement. The presentation was not only a reflection on past achievements but also a call to action for the future.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

David Huebner Geetanjali Misra

2010s, activism, asia pacific outgames (2011), david huebner, geetanjali misra, human rights, ilott theatre, india, transcript online

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