Today 28th September, is the sixth day of the International Week of the Deaf.
Today’s theme is ‘Sign Language Rights For LGBTQIA+’
Greetings to all of you!
What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?
'L' stands for Lesbian.
'G' stands for Gay.
'B' stands for Bisexual.
'T' stands for Transgender.
'Q' stands for Queer. They are people who are figuring out their sexual identity.
'I' stands for Intersex. They are those born with both male and female reproductive organs.
'A' stands for Asexual and they are who do not have any sexual feelings towards anyone.
The '+' symbolises that people of all sexualities are included
What does the '+' in LGBTQIA+ stand for?
There may be individuals who may feel they are not included in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The '+' symbolises that everyone will be included and welcomed in the community and nobody will be left out.
They will have a sense of belonging and their own identity.
All individuals with their unique identities will be included in the LGBTQIA+ community.
There are many who are Deaf as well.
A Deaf person's identity is inclusive of their gender and that their part in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Deaf individuals take part in the Pride events as well.
Around the world, the LGBTQIA+ community is respected and included. They are not discriminated.
Deaf individuals are included as well.
However in India, the LGBTQIA+ community is severely oppressed.
The Deaf are even more oppressed.
What is the reason for this?
Gays, Lesbians, etc within the LGBTQIA+ community are apprehensive to open up about their sexual identity.
They are afraid that if they come out, their families will disown them.
Some are afraid that if open up to their friends, they will face a lot of judgement.
They are under a lot of stress and many are hiding.
There aren't any Deaf LGBTQIA+ associations either.
This is because they are all isolated and afraid of the shame, oppression and judgement.
Many Deaf individuals are oppressed.
The LGBTQIA+ community are all entitled to their Human Rights.
The Deaf are all also entitled to these rights. We must all include them through Sign Language and be a united community.
Many Deaf members of the LGBTQIA+ community are afraid because there is no awareness and accessibility.
Many are stressed.
Sometimes programmes held by associations do not include members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
They discriminate on the basis of the sexual identity and do not include them.
They are Deaf and have the Human Right of Sign Language.
They must be included.
I just explained to you about the LGBTQIA+ community.
It is very important to be inclusive of their Deaf Members.
Sign Language is important and very powerful.
Through this accessibility, knowledge, awareness and tarining must be given.
The oppressed LGBTQIA+ community will recieve this knowledge, most importantly they will receive it through sign language.
It will help them get out of this oppression and develop.
Sign Language will help them not feel oppressed in the future.
This is why sign language is very important.