In a bold move to promote equality among all sections of society, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday has become the first political party to form its LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, queer) cell, within the party framework in the country. The newly-formed wing will push for their rights and will work on the issue of homosexual, queer, bisexual, transgender communities.
Notably, it was announced by Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha MP, who said, "We must eliminate the prejudice that we have towards the queer community and be more inclusive towards alternative gender identities and gender expression. Work needs to be done for making a more inclusive society free from prejudice, homophobia, and transphobia."
Notably, Ms. Sule said that NCP is the only party to talk of liberal values and equality in its speeches and practice it in real life. “It was our party president Sharad Pawar who first implemented women’s reservation as chief minister of Maharashtra. We were the first to form a special wing for young women and will now this new cell is an attempt to cover the LGBTQ community, under a political party,” she added.
Priya Patil, a community activist who has been appointed as the president of the LGBTQ cell, will head a 15-member body. The formation of this cell as a branch under a political party is a significant step in the fight to claim equal rights, Ms. Patil said. “We will be raising our voices for the welfare and betterment of the community and work to ensure equal rights for them,” she added.
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Revealing more about the party's plan to promote equality, Ms. Sule added that the State’s Social Justice Department has also set up an LGBTQ welfare board. “I am happy to say that the board and our party will work towards solving financial, social, or emotional issues faced by the community,” she said.
Jayant Patil, NCP's State unit president and Irrigation minister said that members of the LGBTQ community is trying to become part of the society and should be extended equal treatment. “Our party had made a promise in its election manifesto and has taken a step forward to fulfill it,” he said.