Indradhanu

Indradhanu
Founded23 January 2013[1][2]
Founded atIIT Delhi
TypeSocial Club
Location
  • IIT Delhi
Official language
Hindi, English, Hinglish
WebsiteIndradhanu

Indradhanu is the official LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual+) collective of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.[3] The student-driven collective aims to create a safe space for LGBT+ persons in the institute's campus.[4][5] Members from Indradhanu have also been petitioners in the decriminalisation of homosexuality in India. In December 2021, it was accorded official recognition by the college administration. It now holds a nominated position in the Student Affairs Council of IIT Delhi and works with the office of Diversity and Inclusion, IIT Delhi.[citation needed]

History

The support group started from 23 January 2013, by Kapil. [2][6] Kapil used his representation in his course group to inform more students and soon developed into a collective to create a safer space for students belonging to sexual minority groups.[7][2]

According to a survey conducted in IIT Delhi in 2015, around 72% of the respondents "believe homosexuality is as normal as heterosexuality".[8]

Involvement in decriminalisation of homosexuality in India

In May 2018, the collective with support of Naz Foundation filed a petition to review Section 377. The petition was filed by a team of 20 IITians, the youngest of whom was an undergraduate student at IIT Delhi. In response of the petition, the Supreme Court agreed to review[9] after the central government declared that it would not oppose the petitions, and would leave the case "to the wisdom of the court".[10]

On 6 September 2018, the Court overruled an earlier decision from 2013, thereby decriminalising homosexuality in India.[11] After the verdict, the club gained an established recognition.[3]

  • Members of Indradhanu
    Members of Indradhanu
  • Indradhanu at the IIT-Delhi Pride March
    Indradhanu at the IIT-Delhi Pride March
  • Members with posters
    Members with posters

See also

References

  1. ^ "Getting accepted - Time Out Delhi". Time Out Delhi. Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Where the mind is without fear". Hindustan Times. 8 September 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  3. ^ a b Deb, Rishabh. "For LGBTQIA+ students, on-campus support groups provide a safe and secure space to be out and proud – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  4. ^ "8 Schools And Colleges In India With In-Campus LGBTQ Support Groups". homegrown.co.in. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  5. ^ Basu, Sreeradha (2 June 2015). "How IITs, IIMs are lending a voice to LGBT issues". The Economic Times. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  6. ^ "How IIT Bombay's queer resource group Saathi is repping the LGBTQ experience". Elle India. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  7. ^ "Indradhanu – IIT Delhi". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  8. ^ Roy Chowdhury, Shreya (17 October 2015). "Gay is 'normal' for 72% in IIT-D". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  9. ^ "SC Seeks Govt's Reply on IITians' Petition Scrapping Homosexuality". The Quint. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  10. ^ "Decriminalising Gay Sex: Centre 'Leaves It to Wisdom of Supreme Court'". News18. 11 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  11. ^ "Historic India ruling legalises gay sex". 6 September 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2019.