Mysore/Mysuru:  Both the Central and State Governments have implemented numerous programmes aimed at integrating sexual minorities into mainstream society.

However, these initiatives face significant legal and technical obstacles, hindering the accessibility of benefits provided under these initiatives. Moreover, societal discrimination and inherent feelings of inferiority prevent many sexual minorities from leading fulfilling lives akin to other citizens.

The living conditions of many sexual minorities are dire, with some resorting to begging for survival. Despite the presence of sexual minorities in prominent positions such as Judges, Advocates, IAS Officers and Teachers, they still encounter discrimination, including challenges in exercising their voting rights.

Sexual minorities are individuals who, after being born male or female, develop a sexual identity different from their birth gender. Hormonal changes or elective gender transitions contribute to this transformation. The societal ridicule they face often obstructs their ability to live authentically.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there are 20,92,222 registered voters in Mysuru, including 184 sexual minorities. However, in previous elections, the turnout among sexual minorities has been notably low, despite an increasing number of registrations.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, out of 20,86,413 voters, 14,68,695 exercised their franchise. However, despite 153 transgender individuals registering their names, only 19 of them cast their votes.

Similarly, in the 2023 Assembly elections, out of 26,55,984 registered voters, 19,95,152 voted. Yet, among the 226 registered transgender individuals, only 49 participated in the voting process.

Despite an increase in the number of registered transgender voters before each election, there has been no corresponding rise in the number of votes cast by transgender individuals.

Pranati Prakash, a leader of sexual minorities, shared her experience of voting for the first time in the 2023 Assembly elections. Due to discrepancies in her identification documents, she was unable to vote until her gender identity was officially recognised.

“There are over 800 sexual minorities in Mysuru district. However, due to the mention of male or female gender in their various documents, including school records, obtaining Aadhaar Cards has become challenging for them. Nevertheless, they have the opportunity to register their names in the voters’ list if the Deputy Commissioner can issue a certificate identifying them as transgender,” Pranati said.

Currently, many sexual minority individuals are in the process of obtaining this certificate, and it is anticipated that more of them will participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, she added, urging registered sexual minority individuals to exercise their voting rights without fail.

Efforts are underway to address these challenges. In Mysuru district, steps are being taken to facilitate the registration of sexual minorities in the voters’ list by providing certificates identifying their sexual minority status.

Dr. K.V. Rajendra, the Deputy Commissioner, confirms that such certificates can be obtained by disclosing biological changes, as per Court directives.

Moving forward, it is crucial to continue advocating for the rights and inclusion of sexual minorities, ensuring they can fully participate in democratic processes without discrimination or impediments.