'Need to change the mindset of society'

Sexual minorities are not anti-social elements or traitors. They too are humane. Unfortunately, sexual minorities are looked down upon in society, lamented transgender rights activist and Ondede founder Akkai Padmashali.

Delivering a lecture on issues, problems and challenges of sexual minorities in India, organised by the Centre for Women’s Studies at Mangalore University on Monday, Akkai said that there is a need to change the mindset of the society on the way its looks and treats sexual minorities.

“Families do not treat sexual minorities as their own. Being neglected by friends and society, the sexual minorities lead a miserable life. One has to look at the condition of sexual minorities on a humanitarian ground. If they get a place in the family, then the society too will start respecting them,” Akkai said.

Akkai said if sexual minorities get a reservation in education and employment, and skill training, then they can lead a dignified life instead of begging on streets. She lauded the Mangalore University for reserving seats for the third gender in the postgraduation courses.

In his presidential address, Mangalore University in-charge Vice Chancellor Prof Ishwara P said, “Sexual minorities face a lot of issues and challenges in the 21st century. To check atrocities on sexual minorities, the society should accept them and they should be educated.”

Akkai Padmashali interacted with the students on the occasion.