Shivani Thakur
Published on: April 10, 2022 at 20:17 IST
The Madras High Court directed the State Government to organize a program for 6-8 weeks inviting one teacher from every School for Sensitization on dealing with issues relating to children belonging to the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Intersex and Asexual) community.
“The Children are not in a position to talk with their parents, not even in a position to talk to teachers in schools. They feel very apprehensive to discuss this with their own friends and the society is not prepared to lend its ears for them. In the said process, children undergo untold trauma and, in some cases, even physical abuse. By the time they enter into middle ages, many develop suicidal tendencies due to continuous neglect from everywhere. There are many unreported Cases where persons belonging to the community commit Suicide since they lose all hope in the society and they don’t find any light at the end of the tunnel.” Court observed.
The Court suggested the Additional Advocate General S. Silambanan that a program can be organised spanning from 6-8 weeks inviting one teacher from every school who can be sensitised on the issue. The Court suggested that the coming vacation period can be used for the same.
It was recommended that the teachers could be the one who have some basic knowledge about the Child Welfare. These teachers can be addressed be the Non-Governmental Organizations who working for the welfare of the Community and the Medical Professionals.
“If the problem is understood at the stage of school itself, the child will be able to gain confidence and he will also provide a platform for all others to understand that a child belonging to the community is not abnormal or the odd one out but the child is made that way be nature and has to be accepted as any other child. This step will go a long way in creating Awareness about the issue at school level.” The Court said.
The Court directed the Central Government to list out the number of Non-Governmental Organization’s working in this area.
The Court adjourned the matter till 17th June, 2022 for reporting compliance with the directions of the Court.
Also Read: Madras HC authorises Style Sheet for news articles about LGBTQIA+ Community