“From now onward, a third gender individual can be a voter with their own identity, as a hijra,” Abdul Baten, the Director of National Identity Registration declared. The trans community of Bangladesh has finally been granted the right to register to vote under a “third gender” identity category. Government officials allocated the category on the national voters’ list for the country’s trans community, commonly known as hijra. Prior to the change, Bangladeshi voters could only

As we celebrate Pride across the globe this June, the NY Times recently highlighted the continued challenges faced by LGBTQ folks in India under the regressive  Section 377 of the Indian Penal code criminalizing gay sex. This summer, India’s Supreme Court is expected to consider petitions made by members of the LGBTQ community who are mobilizing for change. As  the court reviews the law’s constitutionality, lawyers and activists who have been

Who out there remembers that burning-cooling-gooey salve that provided a bit of comfort from a bad childhood chest cold—especially when lovingly applied by a doting mummy, naani, daado, or auntie? Procter and Gamble, the makers of Vicks VapoRub, teamed up with creative agency Publicis Singapore to launch a groundbreaking ad that celebrates desi motherly love with a queer twist. Steeped in Indian cinematic nostalgia, the ad is inspired by the true story of Gayatri and

“Seeking 25-40, well-placed, animal-loving, vegetarian GROOM for my SON (36, 5’11”), who works with an NGO, Caste No Bar (though IYER preferred)” Harish Iyer’s mom, Padma, felt her son needed a little push in the romance department and like many meddling Indian parents, she decided to take the matter into her own hands by placing a personal ad in a local Mumbai newspaper. The fact that her son—an activist and

Thahir Mohammed Sayyed knew he was gay since Class VII. His family was supportive when he came out. Educated, career oriented and fit, 28 year old Thahir decided to represent India at the Mr Gay World 2015 contest in Knysna, South Africa. He expected some backlash and criticism. Unfortunately what he and his family received from the community forced them to go into hiding. The Muslim community leaders ostracized the

“Is a top pretending to be worthier than a bottom any less a form of discrimination than a straight person imagining themselves better than a lesbian, bisexual or gay one? If we as gay men want equal status in society, we first must stop this kind of mentality. Otherwise shouting for gay rights or taking part in any number of LGBTI Pride parades is of no worth.” writes gay desi

In the wake of the Indian Supreme Court’s declining to review its judgment on Section 377, NDTV’s The Big Fight presents “The Homosexuality Debate.”  Sparks fly as the conversation bounces from protecting minority rights to gays threatening the “survival of humanity” through their “unnatural acts!” Panelists include LGBT rights activist and filmmaker,  Sridhar Rangayan; Father Stanley of the Archdiocese of Delhi; Kamal Faruqui of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board;

“The Supreme Court has taken back a right, which the Delhi High Court had given to some of its citizens. In the course of legal history, the trend has been towards an expansion of equality and human dignity. We do not expect the Supreme Court to take away dignity from its citizens. Therefore, it’s a deeply disappointing and frightening judgment.”— Gautam Bhan Vaibav Vats of the New York Times blog