Lucknow: LGBTQ activists seek right to marry and adopt children

LUCKNOW: Members of the LGBTQ community, who found their voice after Section 377 was decriminalised by Supreme Court

last year, have decided to use the poll platform to fight for their right to not just love, but also to marry and adopt children

(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/adopt-children).

"An equitable law for marriage and adoption is the need of the hour. In the US, any LGBTQ couple can marry, adopt and raise

kids. In our country, civil partnership is still not legalised. LGBTQ members should be allowed to have children either through

surrogacy or adoption," advocated Darvesh Yadavendra, a member of Awadh (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Awadh)

Queer Pride Committee.

Activist and community member Megha Nandi said sensitisation needed to begin at school level to curb biased and myopic outlook. "Teachers should support anyone who identifies as gay, and promote an atmosphere free of fear and stigma," Nandi said. Workplaces must become inclusive as well, the activist said, adding that police must be made aware of constitutional rights of members of the LGBTQ community so that harassment complaints are given due importance. The community also wants political parties to give adequate representation to its members. "Only some parties have fielded LGBTQ members in the Lok Sabha elections. We want all parties to give us room. This public representation will help weed out homophobia, transphobia and the politics of hate," said Syed Husain Raza Zaidi, a member and activist. Kinnar Akhara mahamandaleshwar Bhawani Nath Balmiki, better known as Bhawani Maa, is an Aam Admi Party candidate from Allahabad seat in this election. The transgender candidate already has a fan following in the Sangam city and elsewhere.