Odisha: Election Manifestos Overlook LGBTQIA+ Rights

Bhubaneswar: In the run-up to the upcoming elections in Odisha, the LGBTQIA community finds itself sidelined, with political parties failing to address their concerns in their manifestos. Despite growing visibility and advocacy efforts, the absence of LGBTQIA-centric policies underscores a persistent disregard for the rights and well-being of the community.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state released its manifesto on May 10, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto on May 5, and the Congress released its manifesto on March 15. But neither party has mentioned anything regarding the LGBTQIA community.

Odisha will hold Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in four phases from May 13.

Advocates and activists assert that the absence of concrete measures to address the challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals reflects a broader societal reluctance to acknowledge their existence and rights.

“The manifestos have mentions of subgroups, and sectoral development but there is no mention of the LGBTQIA+ communities, which is very surprising. By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals, political parties can contribute to creating a more equitable and tolerant society,” Biswa Bhusan Pattanayak, Assistant Director, SAATHII, told this reporter.

Emphasising that political manifestos serve as a blueprint for governance, outlining the priorities and commitments of parties vying for power he said: “If there is a mention or promise in the manifesto, it becomes a powerful instrument for political advocacy and to hold the government accountable. But the complete absence of the LGBTQIA+ community only reflects the systemic invisibalisation and discrimination.”

The significance of including LGBTQIA issues in political manifestos cannot be overstated. Beyond signaling a commitment to equality and human rights, it demonstrates a willingness to confront systemic injustices and promote inclusivity.

Odisha is considered as one of the pioneer states in implementing social welfare measures, such as food security, free housing, and pension for the transgender community and had sought to enact the Transgender Person Policy of 2017. But the policy is still under consideration and is yet to be implemented.

While there are no specific figures to establish voters from the entire LGBTQIA+ communities in the state, as per the state election commission, there are 3,438 transgender voters in the state which is 16.9% of their total population. This also marks a rise of 515 voters as compared to 2,923 in 2019.

The Census-2011 puts the number of transgenders in the state at 20,332. However, government officials admit that the population would be much higher, particularly after the Supreme Court granted them legal recognition as third gender in 2014.

However, the omission of LGBTQIA concerns not only reflects a lack of understanding but also perpetuates discrimination and exclusion. Issues such as discrimination, violence, access to healthcare, legal recognition, and social acceptance remain pressing for the LGBTQIA community in Odisha.

"The absence of any mention in the manifestos will only deepen the invisiblisation. The past years have been crucial for our civil and legal rights. But how does one decide to vote when the parties have nothing in store for us, no promises to make, and Odisha being one of the Queer-friendly states it was quite disappointing," said Amit Bisoi, Gay Gender Fluid, PLHIV person, LGBTQIA+ and PLHIV rights activist of Odisha.

While some civil society organisations and advocacy groups have been vocal in urging political parties to prioritise LGBTQIA rights, the response has been largely tepid.

Even at the national level, the situation isn’t different.

The central ruling BJP has made a single-line promise to include transgender people in the Ayushman Bharat system and expand the network of Garima Grahas to cater to the needs of transgender individuals.

The Congress in its manifesto promised the enactment of legislation to legalise civil unions for LGBTQIA+ couples as one of its goals. Additionally, Congress promises a constitutional amendment to include sexual orientation as a ground for no discrimination under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution.

In the absence of explicit commitments in political manifestos, the LGBTQIA community and their allies are left to continue their struggle for recognition, acceptance, and equality.

The writer is a Bhubaneswar-based independent journalist who writes on gender, climate change, rural issues and social justice.