Queer Prisoners in Mumbai need independence too……

On 16th August, at 3.30pm, the march of Queer Prisoners will start at August Kranti Maidan and end at Girgaum Chowpatty


Who is `queer'?
Queer was originally used as a put-down, but the word was reclaimed as a positive marker of identity by those whom society considered odd, strange or abnormal. They use the word to refer to all people marginalised by a society that is narrowly defined by hetero-normatively and by the male-female gender binary. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, hijra, transgender, kothi, panthi, intersex… all who identify with words like these are under the umbrella of the "queer" community.



Why Prisoners?
Because this country achieved Independence on 15th August, 1947, but its countless queer citizens are still not free.

They want to bring to the notice of both, society and the government on some issues that concern them such as:

• Under Sec. 377 of the Indian Penal Code their desires and relationships are considered to be criminal acts. They want this regressive law read down.

• Every individual is under tremendous pressure to marry a person of the opposite sex, as marriage is seen as a must in our society. They are launching a campaign against all such forced marriages.

• The Constitution must include provisions to deal with all discrimination on the grounds of sexuality or gender.

• They call for an end to homophobia and transphobia — an end to violence and hate within families, in educational institutions, at places of work and in public spaces.

They are attempting to garner as many signatures as possible on the open letter against 377.
You can either join them on their march to show your support or visit the following URL and sign the letter, to express your solidarity against this ancient and draconian law

http://p2.voicesaga inst377.org/

Organised by:

Aanchal Trust, Astitva, Dai Welfare Society, GayBombay, Humsaaya, Humsafar Trust, INFOSEM, Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action, Queer Media Collective, Rainbow Pride Connexion, Sakhi Char Chowghi, Salvation Star, Sarathi, Symphony in Pink

Img source: http://www.salaampress.com/