'A Common Front for the Marginalized in India'
Gay Activist in India Works to Build Political Party Focused on the Marginalized
[Manohar] Elavarthi aspires to be the first openly gay man elected to a major political office in India, like Harvey Milk in the United States.
Common Front for the Marginalized
"Our dream for Indian politics is to build a common front of lesbians, untouchables, eunuchs and low-paid workers -- people who really need a voice in this country," said Elavarthi, who has received death threats for his views, largely from right-wing religious groups and police. "India -- the new India -- is really changing. We need to build a party around social justice for minorities. It would be a sign that India is a true secular democracy."
Mysticism and Demonizing Homosexuality
For centuries, the transgender community in India enjoyed some social acceptance under the cultural traditions of Hinduism and Islam. Some tribal groups see lesbians as having mystical powers. But European missionaries and British colonial rulers demonized homosexuality.
Things Are Changing
"I take such joy that things are changing in India," Elavarthi said. "But I also keep in mind my favorite quotation, 'A victim who can articulate his victimization ceases to be a victim; he becomes a threat.' " With that, he hailed a rickshaw and was off to his next protest."
(Read More) at the Washington Post
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