More than 100 people from diverse backgrounds participated
in a “Pride Walk” in Assam’s Dibrugarh in support of the demand for
gender-neutral toilets.
The participants included students and community
members, who collectively emphasized that access to safe and inclusive
washrooms is a fundamental right.
In April this year, the Supreme Court had announced
plans to build nine gender-neutral washrooms within its premises and implement steps
to promote gender inclusivity and “sexuality sensitization.”
While the top court’s acknowledgement of the necessity
for queer-friendly spaces is being viewed as a huge step forward, it is also
felt that a similar sensitivity is needed in the educational institutions.
Queer rights activist Rituparna led the “Pride Walk”
to turn people’s attention to this issue. The event sought to support the
activist’s petition to the authorities seeking gender-neutral washrooms in
educational institutions in Assam.
“For the transgender community, using a restroom
should never be a source of anxiety. Access to hygienic and inclusive
sanitation facilities is a fundamental right and I hope all educational
institutions in Assam will consider creating gender-neutral washrooms,”
Rituparna said summing up the objective of the walk and the petition.
She is also a Nguvu Change leader, who was recently
appointed as a Member of Assam’s Transgender Welfare Board
The walk was not just a call for a shift in
perspective but also a powerful declaration of solidarity. Participants rallied
together to send a message that transgender rights are human rights, something
Rituparna has amplified through the petition since December 2022.
As an outcome of Rituparna’s campaign, JN College at Boko,
Assam has already launched a gender-neutral toilet. Through public appearances
and the petition, Rituparna has been able to reach out to over 10,000 youth.
Agencies
