In its efforts to sensitize the transgender and the LGBT community members about their legal rights and rehabilitation, the local District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in association with MANSA foundation and Humsafar trust organized first of kind state level seminar on Thursday at Guru Nanak Bhawan.The seminar was inaugurated by DLSA Chairman-cum- District and Sessions Judge Gurbir Singh by lightening the lamp. CJM-cum-DLSA secretary Gurpreet Kaur, Deputy Director Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS) Dr. Meenu, Bar Association President PS Ghuman, Lead District Manager Harinder Pal Singh, Dr. Tajinder Singh from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Anil Bharti from Swami Vivekananda Trust Ludhiana were key speaker in the seminar. Addressing the gathering during one-day sensitization program, District and Sessions Judge Gurbir Singh said that Indian Constitution has given equal rights to all citizens of the country and told in depth about fundamental rights equality before the law, Freedom of religion, Freedom of association and peaceful assembly, Freedom of speech and expression and Right to constitutional remedies for the protection of civil rights in the seminar.He considered the fact that the lack of education among the community members is a major reason behind they failed to get chances to come forward in the society.Singh, who is also DLSA chairman, motivated the members of LGBT community to become an active part of the society rather than hiding themselves due to societal and other pressures.
He asked them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes of the government beside appealing them to get registered as voters and don’t hesitate in raising your issues.District and Sessions Judge said that there is need just to step forward and one-day, there will be doctors, engineers, lawyers, and politicians from the community.He even invited the heads of groups to join Lok Adalats as its members. He also appreciated DLSA for organizing the seminar.Bar Association President PS Ghuman felt that there is lack of awareness about the legal remedies and rights among the community members and asked them to file a complaint with DLSA if they face any kind of discrimination or problem in the society.Deputy Director Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS) Dr. Meenu highlighted about the health-related schemes for the community members and called them to not to hesitate in availing the benefits of the welfare programs.CJM-cum-DLSA secretary Gurpreet Kaur stated about DLSA and its functions in the seminar.Later, a panel discussion on understanding the rights to privacy and 377 IPC was also held.Before the starting of the program, folk dance was also presented by community members.Hundred of LGBT community members were also present in the seminar and got vital information about their rights from the experts. They also keenly took part in the question-answer session.