‘Trans rights are human rights’ echoes in Hyderabad as LGBTQIA+ community protests against Transgender Persons Amendment Bill
The Hindu
Hyderabad's LGBTQIA+ community protests against the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, advocating for trans rights and human dignity.
Hyderabad on Wednesday witnessed a strong show of solidarity from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, as hundreds gathered at Dharna Chowk raising slogans of ‘Trans rights are human rights’. The protest saw participants draped in pride flags and holding placards voicing opposition to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026.
A stage was set up at the venue, adorned with the pride flag and a prominent poster reading ‘Reject Trans Bill 2026’. The demonstration was organised in response to the amendment Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13. The proposed changes seek to alter how transgender identity is defined and officially recognised, including provisions that may require individuals to undergo verification procedures, potentially involving medical scrutiny, before being issued a certificate of identity.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community opposing the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
The gathering saw a large turnout, with all available seating occupied and many participants standing through the programme. Kiran Raj, a transman and advocate, said the proposed amendment runs contrary to fundamental rights. He added that requiring proof of identity also contradicts the 2014 NALSA judgment of the Supreme Court, which upheld the right to self-identification.
Feroza Syed, a trans woman and activist, said transphobia is increasingly becoming a global issue. “It is not only happening in America or European countries, but also in nations like India, which has a long history of recognising transgender and hijra communities,” they said. Reflecting on her experience, they added that living in India over the past year had been both eye-opening and affirming, particularly due to the work of local activists, NGOs and organisations across Telangana.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community opposing the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Hyderabad's LGBTQIA+ community protests against the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, advocating for trans rights and human dignity.
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