CHENNAI RAINBOW PRIDE MONTH 2026 SUPPORT LGBTIQA+ INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION IN TAMIL NADU
Rainbow Pride Self-Respect March begins Sunday June 28, 2026, 3:30pm in Chennai
This year, 2026, marks the 18th year of Chennai Rainbow Pride. This month we renew our commitment to changing social norms that deny us our rights because of who we are or whom we love. The oppression, rooted in binary genders, patriarchy and heterosexist norms that begin in our homes, continues in various institutions, including educational and healthcare settings, employment and public places. Rainbow Pride Month is a way of asserting our presence, dignity and self-respect to the mainstream and seeking the realisation of our rights to exist as full citizens.
We, members of the LGBTIQA+ communities and allies in Tamil Nadu, would like to welcome the new Tamil Nadu government, and request that they commit to safeguarding our rights in the following ways.
We call for the following to be implemented in the state:
1. Introduce and implement horizontal reservations in education and employment (private and public sector) for transgender women, transgender men and intersex persons.
2. Oppose the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 as it directly contravenes evidence-based medical guidelines for gender-affirmative care, undermines patient autonomy, bodily integrity, and self-identification rights.
3. The Madras High Court, in the case of Sushma and Anr. versus Commissioner of Police and Ors. (2021-ongoing as recurring mandamus) had directed the state government to develop a comprehensive state policy for all Gender and Sexual Minorities (LGBTQIA+), however, only a transgender policy was developed. We request that the government take steps to finalise this LGBTQIA+ policy. A draft version of it was submitted to the Honourable High Court in March 2024.
4. Alter the Tamil name of the Transgender Welfare Board to Thirunangai-Thirunambi Nala Vaariyam or Thirunar Nala Vaariyam; as the current name “Thirunangai” refers only to trans women, and does not include trans men (thirunambi).
5. At present the Transgender Welfare Board has only one trans man and one intersex person. We ask for an increase in meaningful representation of the trans men and intersex persons on the Transgender Welfare Board, who will help raise visibility of the issues facing these hyper-marginalized communities.
6. We ask that the social welfare measures for trans women available from the state of Tamil Nadu be made available for trans men and intersex persons. We further remind the government and non-state entities that “thirunangai” is not an inclusive term for all transgender persons, as they refer only to trans women and other transfeminine persons.
7. We look forward to the state’s implementation of the Deed of Familial Association or equivalent means of recognizing same-gender relationships.
8. We ask for adoption and surrogacy rights for the LGBTQIA+ community, with modification of the relevant laws.
9. Ensure that the transgender clinics in Tamil Nadu follow the standardised client-centred protocols that respect the dignity and agency of trans persons, do not require genital examination as part of psychological determination of self-affirmed gender, do not ask adult trans men to obtain parental consent for gender-affirming therapy. Unethical and unscientific practices such as per-vaginum nests persist in the clinics and must be immediately stopped.
10. We look forward to TN’s implementation of Central advisories such as:
a. Enabling partners in a queer relationship to be treated as a part of the same household for the purposes of ration card. Further, States/UTs have been asked to take necessary measures to ensure that partners in queer relationship are not subjected to any discrimination in the issuance of ration cards
b. Permitting queer persons to open a joint bank account and also to nominate a person in queer relationship as nominees
10. Train the staff of educational institutions (teaching and non-teaching) on issues of LGBTIQA+ and gender-nonconforming children and youth, and use school Parent Teacher Association meetings to sensitize parents, as directed in the Sushma vs. Commissioner of Police orders. Such sensitization has not taken place but in reality, even though reports to the Madras High Court have stated 100,000 people have been sensitized through virtual training.
11. Address mental health issues facing LGBTIQA+ persons, including suicidal attempts and suicides. The LGBTIQ+ inclusive mental health policy developed by the TN State Mental Health Authority has yet to be implemented.
12. We ask for sensitive media coverage of LGBTIQA+ issues, using the state-approved glossary; and further that hate speech on social media channels be stopped immediately, and the police take action based on complaints.
13. We ask for support from the private sector in ensuring inclusive workplace policies and practices and supporting LGBTIQA+ community initiatives through CSR activities.
14. We ask that restrooms, hostels and other facilities in public and private sector establishments include gender-neutral options in addition to male and female options. People should be free to use facilities that align best with their gender identities.
15. We ask that public health and sanitation programs focused on menstrual health and hygiene recognize and include transmasculine and non-binary persons who menstruate in their awareness programs, and outreach.
16. LGBTIQA+ inclusive content should be expanded to curricula in law, psychology, social work, nursing and other fields.
17. We extend our solidarity to those fighting to end social injustice based on gender, sexuality, class, caste, disability, ethnicity, religion and other factors, across the country and globally.
Who we are: The Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition is a network of formal and informal groups of LGBTIQA+ persons and allies that organises the Pride Walk and related events annually.
Contact: Jaya, Sahodaran Organization: +91 98418 65423
