In A First, Tamil Nadu Govt Releases Glossary On Addressing LGBTQ Persons

The state has made it mandatory for any forum, including the media, to address them using only the terms published in the gazette.

A member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) community deploy a giant rainbow flag (Source: File photo/AFP)

New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday issued a glossary of terms to address the LGBTQIA+ community, as suggested by the Madras High Court. The state has made it mandatory for any forum, including the media, to address them using only the terms published in the gazette. The issue comes after Justice N Ananth Venkatesh of the Madras High Court on August 22 suggested addressing people belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community with more respect and dignity.

He likewise outfitted a copy of something similar to the judge and submitted that by virtue of the distribution of the glossary in the official gazette, the terms referenced in it would have legal backing and at whatever point the LGBTQIA+ people group is to be addressed by any forum, it is required to depict them simply by using the terms that have been referenced in the gazette.

Thusly, an endeavor is being made to address people belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community with additional nobility and regard, the AAG said.

The appointed authority recorded AAG's submissions and clarified that all concerned, including the visual and the print media should observe the notice and address the people having a place in the local area by using only the notified terms wherever required.

As regards the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, the judge was informed the draft rules had been received from the Director of Social Welfare and it requires examination and consistency of the Central Act, 2019. It likewise requires the approval of the Law department, before the circulation of the same to the Chief Minister. Thus, the judge was mentioned to give six additional months to finalise the rules and to notify the same.