Indradhanu

Indradhanu is the official LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual+) collective of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.[3] The student-driven collective aims to create a safe space for LGBT+ persons in the institute's campus.[4][5] Members from Indradhanu have also been petitioners in the decriminalisation of homosexuality in India. In December 2021, it was accorded official recognition by the college administration. It now holds a nominated position in the Student Affairs Council of IIT Delhi and works with the office of Diversity and Inclusion, IIT Delhi.

Indradhanu
Founded23 January 2013[1][2]
Founded atIIT Delhi
TypeSocial Club
Location
  • IIT Delhi
Official language
Hindi, English, Hinglish
WebsiteIndradhanu

History

The support group started from 23 January 2013, by Kapil. [2][6] Kapil used his representation in his course group to inform more students and soon developed into a collective to create a safer space for students belonging to sexual minority groups.[7][2]

According to a survey conducted in IIT Delhi in 2015, around 72% of the respondents "believe homosexuality is as normal as heterosexuality".[8]

Involvement in decriminalisation of homosexuality in India

In May 2018, the collective with support of Naz Foundation filed a petition to review Section 377. The petition was filed by a team of 20 IITians, the youngest of whom was an undergraduate student at IIT Delhi. In response of the petition, the Supreme Court agreed to review[9] after the central government declared that it would not oppose the petitions, and would leave the case "to the wisdom of the court".[10]

On 6 September 2018, the Court overruled an earlier decision from 2013, thereby decriminalising homosexuality in India.[11] After the verdict, the club gained an established recognition.[3]

  • Members of Indradhanu
    Members of Indradhanu
  • Indradhanu at the IIT-Delhi Pride March
    Indradhanu at the IIT-Delhi Pride March
  • Members with posters
    Members with posters

See also

References
  1. "Getting accepted - Time Out Delhi". Time Out Delhi. Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  2. "Where the mind is without fear". Hindustan Times. 8 September 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  3. Deb, Rishabh. "For LGBTQIA+ students, on-campus support groups provide a safe and secure space to be out and proud – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  4. "8 Schools And Colleges In India With In-Campus LGBTQ Support Groups". homegrown.co.in. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  5. Basu, Sreeradha (2 June 2015). "How IITs, IIMs are lending a voice to LGBT issues". The Economic Times. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  6. "How IIT Bombay's queer resource group Saathi is repping the LGBTQ experience". Elle India. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  7. "Indradhanu – IIT Delhi". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  8. Roy Chowdhury, Shreya (17 October 2015). "Gay is 'normal' for 72% in IIT-D". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  9. "SC Seeks Govt's Reply on IITians' Petition Scrapping Homosexuality". The Quint. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  10. "Decriminalising Gay Sex: Centre 'Leaves It to Wisdom of Supreme Court'". News18. 11 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  11. "Historic India ruling legalises gay sex". 6 September 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.