Latest news with #LGBTQAI
Time of India
15-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Pride walk promotes love and equality in Nashik
Nashik: A large section of Nashik residents walked alongside members of the LGBTQAI+ community during their march in Nashik on Sunday at 3pm. The members of the community gathered at Kusumagraj Smarak, where they held discussions and exchanged information on various topics, such as the rights and demands related to the community. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The community members resolved to continue to fight for better treatment from the society. "We are here to raise awareness among society and the community members. We want the citizens to know what the community is, who we are, and what we want from the community," said Sanvi Jethwani, co-vice-president of the Transgender Welfare Board of Maharashtra. The march was organised by the community with the help of Yutak Charitable Trust, Pune. The members, dressed in colourful attire, chanted slogans like 'tumcha amcha same asta, prem mhanje prem mhanje prem asta' (love is love just the same, as it is yours, and so it is ours) and 'mera bachcha gay, uska bhi toh say hain' (my child is gay, he also has a say). The march saw elders and youngsters participating for equal rights. "We do not want to draw attention and seek sympathy. In fact, we want the community to accept who we are and also provide us with opportunities to study, grow, gain employment, and contribute to the nation," Jethwani said.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Somy Ali on supporting LGBTQIA+: You deserve safety and dignity
Somy Ali Actor-turned-activist Somy Ali has long supported those facing abuse and displacement. Through her non-profit NGO, she has worked closely with survivors from diverse backgrounds, including many from the LGBTQAI+ community, offering legal assistance, shelter, and long-term support. She shares, 'Some of the stories I've come across have been deeply distressing. Many LGBTQAI+ individuals come to us after being forced out of their homes or facing situations where their safety is at risk. There's nothing wrong with being who you are — but unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way.' Somy recalls helping an individual who faced serious threats due to his identity. She says, 'We were able to support him through relocation, provide shelter, and connect him with legal resources. He's now in a safer environment and working towards rebuilding his life.' Even after finding safety, survivors often carry emotional wounds that take time to heal. 'One of the most common concerns I hear is, 'Will you still help me if I tell you everything?' My answer is always — yes. We see you, and we are here to support you,' she says. Pride Month, for Somy, is a time to reaffirm this commitment. 'Back when I was a student at Nova Southeastern University, I helped start the first Gay and Lesbian student group there. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Launch Offer – SPR Gurgaon Homes Signature Global Book Now Undo That experience shaped how I view advocacy — it's about creating safe spaces where people can share, heal, and be seen,' she says. Each year, her NGO hosts quiet gatherings during Pride Month to support survivors, but the work, she stresses, is year-round. She asserts, 'For us, Pride is about creating room for every story — not just visibility, but belonging.' She notes that challenges still persist, especially for those navigating economic hardship. She says, 'Many of the LGBTQAI+ individuals we work with face multiple vulnerabilities — housing instability, lack of employment, and limited family support. While conversations around inclusion have grown, many still struggle with safety and acceptance.' Somy believes lasting change happens through empathy. She says, 'People respond to stories. When they hear what someone has experienced, it opens a door to understanding. You build bridges through listening, compassion, and respect. That's the only way forward — for all of us.'
NDTV
05-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Same-Sex Couple Can Very Well Form A Family": Madras High Court
Chennai: Though the Supreme Court may not have legalised marriage between same sex couples, they can very well form a family, the Madras High Court has held and allowed a young woman to join her female partner and said the two women can constitute a family. A division bench of Justices G R Swaminathan and V Lakshminarayanan said the expression "family" has to be understood in an expanded sense. Hearing a writ petition seeking to produce before court a 25-year old woman and set her at liberty, the bench said: "To a specific question from us, the detenue (the 25-year old woman) replied that she is a lesbian and in relationship with the writ petitioner." "She made it clear to the court that she wanted to go with the petitioner. She confirmed the allegation that she is being detained against her will by her natal family. It appeared that she was forcibly taken to her home and beaten. She told us that her natal family members forced her to undergo certain rituals so that she will become "normal". She even apprehended danger to her life. In the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, the petitioner has nowhere described the true nature of her relationship with the detenue. Even in her complaint to the police, the petitioner called herself as the detenue's close friend. We can understand the hesitation on her part," the court said. Further, the court said: "While Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty Vs Union of India (Supreme Court) may not have legalised marriage between same sex couples, they can very well form a family. Marriage is not the sole mode to found a family." The concept of "chosen family" is now well settled and acknowledged in LGBTQIA jurisprudence, the court said, adding the petitioner and the detenue can very well constitute a family. Justice Anand Venkatesh, Judge of Madras HC, in Prasanna J Vs S Sushma approved a "Deed of familial Association" that purported to recognise the civil union entered into between LGBTQAI partners. The Supreme Court, in NALSA and Navtej Johar case, declared that sexual orientation is a matter of individual choice and that it is one of the most basic aspects of self-determination, dignity and freedom. It is an integral part of personal autonomy and self-expression and falls within the realm of personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The High Court, in its judgment dated May 22, 2025 said: "Since we have satisfied ourselves that the detenue wants to join the petitioner and that she is being detained against her will, we allow this Habeas Corpus petition and set her at liberty. We also restrain the detenue's natal family members from interfering with her personal liberty." Also, the court directed the police to provide protection to the detenue as well as the petitioner as and when required. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Same sex couples can constitute a family: Madras High Court
Though the Supreme Court may not have legalised marriage between same sex couples , they can very well form a family, the Madras High Court has held and allowed a young woman to join her female partner and said the two women can constitute a family. A division bench of Justices G R Swaminathan and V Lakshminarayanan said the expression "family" has to be understood in an expanded sense. Hearing a writ petition seeking to produce before court a 25-year old woman and set her at liberty, the bench said: "To a specific question from us, the detenue (the 25-year old woman) replied that she is a lesbian and in relationship with the writ petitioner." She made it clear to the court that she wanted to go with the petitioner. She confirmed the allegation that she is being detained against her will by her natal family. "It appeared that she was forcibly taken to her home and beaten. She told us that her natal family members forced her to undergo certain rituals so that she will become "normal". She even apprehended danger to her life." In the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, the petitioner has nowhere described the true nature of her relationship with the detenue." Even in her complaint to the police, the petitioner called herself as the detenue's close friend. We can understand the hesitation on her part." Live Events Further, the court said: "While Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty Vs Union of India (Supreme Court) may not have legalised marriage between same sex couples, they can very well form a family. Marriage is not the sole mode to found a family." The concept of "chosen family" is now well settled and acknowledged in LGBTQIA+ jurisprudence, the court said adding the petitioner and the detenue can very well constitute a family. Justice Anand Venkatesh, Judge of Madras HC, in Prasanna J Vs S Sushma approved a "Deed of familial Association" that purported to recognise the civil union entered into between LGBTQAI+ partners. The Supreme Court, in NALSA and Navtej Johar case, declared that sexual orientation is a matter of individual choice and that it is one of the most basic aspects of self-determination, dignity and freedom. It is an integral part of personal autonomy and self-expression and falls within the realm of personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The High Court, in its judgment dated May 22, 2025 said: "Since we have satisfied ourselves that the detenue wants to join the petitioner and that she is being detained against her will, we allow this Habeas Corpus petition and set her at liberty. We also restrain the detenue's natal family members from interfering with her personal liberty." Also, the court directed the police to provide protection to the detenue as well as the petitioner as and when required. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
