Guwahati: A latest survey of LGBTQ+ people across seven east Indian states, including four northeastern states — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland — has revealed that nearly half (49%) faced the highest amount of discrimination, bullying and challenges during adolescence (ages 12-15). Their parents were one of the biggest barriers in “opening up” about their identity.The survey covered over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals and was carried out by the Kolkata-based non-profit organisation, Bridge, which works for the rights of the community across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It documented the lived experiences of trans and queer communities across these states, focusing on discrimination and violence at home, in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.While 19% reported facing discrimination between ages 16-18, 7% experienced similar challenges as early as 6-11 years. Among those who are not open, 165 individuals feared discrimination and boycott at home by siblings, 164 feared boycott by friends, peers and acquaintances, and 108 feared workplace discrimination if they revealed their identity.Prithviraj Nath, founder director of Bridge, said, “One of the most critical steps towards equal rights and inclusion is engaging with parents on the importance of understanding, care, and sensitive handling of their children on matters of gender and sexuality. A huge number of respondents for our survey said their greatest fear in coming out was discrimination at home by parents.”Nath added that parents are often misinformed and biased against the idea of non-conforming gender-sexuality expressions due to the widely prevalent patriarchal norms of our society.The report said many LGBTQ+ individuals were unable to pursue education to their desired levels due to discrimination and lack of support. Of the 901 respondents, 34% faced challenges in completing education, while 15% dropped out due to discrimination and bullying they faced related to their gender identity/sexual orientation. About 46% were unemployed at the time of the survey.“More than 50% of respondents said they faced verbal abuse and intimidation, among the other forms of bullying, due to their gender identity and/or sexual orientation, the report read.In educational institutions, 59% chose to remain silent to avoid further targeting, while 9% tried to align with their oppressors. Only 9% lodged complaints or shared their suffering with anyone.At workplaces, 67% of those facing discrimination chose silence, with only a handful speaking out, the report read.
