Queer Infocus | July 2020

Queer InFocus is a monthly roundup of queer news in India.      

Diageo India announces enhanced wellness policy for employees

15th July 2020

Diageo India rolled out an upgraded health strategy that covers all employees, including its LGBTQIA+ employees. The strategy, which will take effect this month and is part of the company’s commitment to promote an inclusive and diverse working environment, will provide equal medical and leave benefits to same sex and live-in partners. The definition of family is expanding, with companies such as Diageo contributing to a more inclusion vision of what family looks like in 2020 India. Furthermore, the policy will provide medical coverage for gender confirmation procedures, and surrogacy and fertility treatment medical benefits will be available to all employees.

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Same-sex marriage gets a push in India, but some in queer community feel other rights require more urgent attention

16th July 2020

Same-sex marriage is currently illegal in India, but lawyers Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju are hoping to change that. Trans couples can marry if they opt for a Civil Union (under the Special Marriages Act, 1954). The benefits of legalising same-sex marriage means couples can become more financially co-dependent, being able to open up bank accounts together. Having the same rights as a cis-heterosexual couple would be important for many queer people. However, many argue that there are many more priorities that need to be dealt with, such as fighting against the regressive Trans Rights Bill, and ensuring job reservations for queer persons. 

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Openly Gay Indian Prince Joins Calls To Ban LGBT Conversion Therapy

26th July 2020

Manvendra Singh Gohil has joined many activists in India to voice concerns regarding conversion therapy, and that the practice should be banned. Conversion therapy centres are legal in India, and globally have only been completely outlawed in five countries. The Trevor Project’s peer review study shows that those subjected to conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide. Currently it is only illegal in Germany, Malta, Ecuador, Brazil and Taiwan. 

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Harshil Shah is the Program Officer, Gender Justice – Queer Rights at One Future Collective.