"It is difficult to right a wrong by history. But we can set the course for the future."
- Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud

A year ago the Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality in its historic 6th September 2018 verdict by striking down Sec 377 of the Indian Penal Code. But the recent suicide of Avi Patel has made us introspect to realize how far we actually are from a lgbtq+ friendly society.

8% of Indians identify as LGBTQIA+ - that’s approximately 10.4 crore people. Most of these individuals are subjected to bigotry, bullying, discrimination and hatred in one form or the other every day. Be it in schools and colleges, work spaces, public places like restaurants and bars, or even in their own homes.

The Supreme Court in its verdict directed the Government to take all the measures and correctly broadcast that homosexuality is no longer a crime, to create public awareness by eliminating the stigma against the LGBTQIA+ community.

The support of parliamentarians like Mrs.Supriya Sule, Dr.Shashi Tharoor and Ms. Priya Dutt have boosted the morale of the LGBTQIA+ community. But a legislature brought in by the government that protects the rights of the members of this community would truly be a progressive step in embarking social inclusion.

Whether an individual identifies as a Male, female, transgender/transsexual or Intersex; any one can be subjected to assaults, sexual violence and at times rape, which often leads to acid attacks. Thus there is an utmost need to make provisions in the IPC to make these laws Gender Neutral and inclusive of all people.

The longer we delay such a law that tackles homophobia and transphobia, the greater the toll it will take on the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ members. They struggle with immense trauma, distress, depression and are prone to suicidal tendencies. Thus we request the government to provide a free suicide helpline operating 24x7x365 for all individuals inclusive of alternative sexual orientations and gender identities.

On the first anniversary of this historic verdict let us appeal to our Prime Minister to take a stand for the LGBTQIA+ community. The government once again abstained from voting for a pro-LGBTQIA+ rights resolution at the UN Human Rights Council. Although it’s never late to change courses and bring a law that promotes love and fights hate!

Thus we ask each and everyone of you to sign this petition that requests for laws to be gender neutral and inclusive of all people. The government must bring in a legislation that protects the rights of 10.4 crore Indians and ensures that they are treated with equality and dignity.