Gohil to represent LGBT members from Guj in Delhi meeting

Manvendra Singh Gohil, former prince of erstwhile royal family of Rajpipala in Gujarat, will represent the state in the meeting of gay activists scheduled in Delhi tomorrow.
"We will discuss and chalk out our strategies as to how to fight for their (LGBT) cause," Gohil told reporters at airport here tonight.
Earlier, Gohil led a rally of LGBT members in the city to protest the Supreme Court's decision to recriminalise section 377 of IPC.
LGBT members in the rally wore black bands and held placards criticising the apex court verdict.
The protesters from different age groups and from different parts of the state converged at Sayaji Garden here and raised slogans demanding scrapping of section 377 IPC.

"We are absolutely disheartened and angry over the SC judgement on section 377 that criminalises the lives of queer persons, reversing the extraordinary move of the Delhi HC to bring together sexuality and rights," said Gohil, who is spearheading the cause of LGBT in the state.

He said the Supreme Court verdict has "deprived" the community of its right as a citizen.
"Section 377 is not only about a sexual act, but also about relationship of our sexuality to our sense of self, dignity and personhood. In refusing to recognise equality, dignity and life not just in law but in us, the SC has erased our humanity and refused to recognise our lives," Gohil said.

He said the judgement has exposed LGBT members to all kinds of exploitation, prejudice and even ostracising by society.