Empowering Youth: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Education in Kerala

By including scientifically accurate and socially relevant information, the state aims to challenge the deep-rooted stereotypes that often marginalize gender and sexual minorities.

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The plan

On February 6, Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R. Bindu chaired an important meeting where it was decided to include topics related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in the curricula.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including the secretaries of the departments of general education, higher education and law, as well as representatives of technical universities and health universities.

This decision represents significant progress, but departs significantly from the previous recommendations of the State Transgender Justice Board, which had strongly advocated for the inclusion of SOGIESC issues to address the ongoing problems of violence, discrimination and exclusion faced by individuals are faced with diverse SOGIESC backgrounds.

The urgency of this inclusion was underscored by the Board after witnessing countless forms of violence and discrimination that people with different SOGIESC relationships face throughout their lives. This ranges from mistreatment by their families and local communities to discrimination in education, healthcare and the workplace.

Exclusion continues to apply to access to public services, encounters with police and other officials, and even the simple act of walking on the street.

Building on the momentum of this meeting, an 18-member state-level resource group was formed on June 14 to develop a comprehensive module for integrating SOGIESC into general and higher education curricula.

To ensure a holistic approach, it was decided to set up three specialized subcommittees: the Curriculum/Module Committee, the Medical Curriculum Committee and the Advisory, Legal and Policy Framework Committee.

These committees will bring together subject matter experts to develop a curriculum that is both inclusive and educational and aims to promote a more accepting and informed society.

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A transformative step for education

Syama S. Prabha, a trans woman and queer rights activist, welcomed the government’s decision.

“This government decision is a long-awaited response to several court orders and societal needs. There is a lot of scientific information about SOGIESC and it is high time we understand that it is not a mental disorder but an untreatable diversity,” said the first trans woman to win a Junior Research Fellowship South first.

“We have to accept this diversity. Incorporating these topics into our curricula will help eliminate many misconceptions,” she said.

Prabha also highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness in educational institutions.

“The government is taking various initiatives to ensure that sexual and gender minorities find acceptance in mainstream society. The move to include SOGIESC in school curricula is crucial, especially at a time when some religious institutions are casting a negative light on these issues. This change will help the young generation understand the reality that includes biological, psychological and sociological aspects,” she said.

Prabha further mentioned that the State Transgender Justice Board first suggested the idea and a preliminary discussion has already taken place.

“The revision of SCERT syllabus for 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th standard already included topics on gender diversity and transgender issues. The revision for other grade levels as well as the higher secondary school curricula will follow,” she explained.

“We plan to include SOGIESC topics in these discussions. Universities are already making some changes by including queer literature and it is time for engineering, legal and health institutions to follow suit,” added Prabha, who is also a member of the course curriculum/module committee.

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Changing perceptions, one lesson at a time

Anil Arjunan, director of Anannia, an NGO that works with marginalized communities in Kerala, also welcomed the move.

“As the saying goes: better late than never. This initiative should have come much earlier. Once these topics become part of the curriculum, the younger generation will have the opportunity to understand the scientific and real facts as the content will be prepared by experts in the field,” he said.

Arjunan pointed out South first that even a small inclusion, such as a paragraph in the syllabus, could make a big difference.

“Even a brief mention is enough to change your mind. It is important to include clear definitions, such as how to define a transgender person. This will help dispel many misconceptions and myths. “It is commendable if these issues are addressed at an early stage,” he said.

He stressed the importance of recognizing the rights of transgender people.

“The younger generation should understand that just as a man or a woman has the right to live as a man or a woman, a transgender person has the right to live as a transgender person. Allowing them to do this is not an act of generosity; it is their right. If someone violates this right, it is a criminal offense. “This is a message that needs to be conveyed to the younger generation,” he added.

According to a Ministry of Social Justice official, when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people challenge rigid societal norms, they become vulnerable to stigmatization, discrimination and violence and face blatant violations of their human rights.

“To combat inequality and injustice based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), we must embrace and celebrate the natural diversity of SOGIESC as part of human sexuality. The cisgender, heterosexual, male or female standard is just one of many expressions of identity, not the final norm. This needs to be passed on to young minds,” the official said.

The LGBTQI community in the state hopes that by educating youth about these issues, the state will lay the foundation for a future where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.

(Edited by Majnu Babu).