Parents Unite to Support LGBTQ+ Children Amid Transgender Bill Concerns
The introduction of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, has sent shockwaves through India's transgender, gender-fluid, and non-binary communities. However, the impact extends beyond these individuals to their parents, who are now grappling with fears for their children's safety and future. In response, a growing network of parents, primarily senior citizens, has emerged to provide support and advocacy through groups like Sweekar: The Rainbow Parent.
A Journey of Unlearning and Connection
Shilpi Rastogi, a mother who has supported her transgender child for over 12 years, reflects on the initial challenges. "At first, a lot of unlearning had to be done," she said. During the Covid-19 lockdown, Rastogi discovered Sweekar, a support group that connects parents of queer children across all age groups. The group's oldest member, Vidya, 80, co-founded Sweekar after her own sensitization journey began in the 1990s when she learned her son was queer.
Origins and Growth of the Support Group
Filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan, co-founder of Sweekar, explained that the idea originated from a screening of his film Evening Shadows at the KASHISH Pride Film Festival in 2017. "We wanted to reach out to parents of LGBTQ+ children to ensure they know how to accept their child," said Rangayan. The group was launched with 10% of the film's crowdfunded money. According to Aruna Desai, Sweekar's human resource manager, membership has grown to around 600 parents. Initially attracting parents of children over 25, the group now includes those with kids as young as eight.
Voices from the Community
Padma, mother of transgender rights activist Harish Iyer, has been involved since 2010. "Sweekar is a group by the parents, for the parents," she emphasized, noting that some discussions are better suited for fellow parents rather than children. The bill's provisions, which mandate scrutiny and certification for gender and remove self-identification rights, have heightened parental anxieties. Vibha Krishnamurthy, 59, whose daughter came out as a transwoman seven years ago, expressed concern: "Just by virtue of her identity, she is vulnerable. That is scary and regressive." Krishnamurthy found Sweekar through social media and relies on it for support during this turbulent time.
Healthcare and Legal Challenges
Parents worry about access to gender-affirming treatments, such as hormone therapy, under the new bill. Dr. Sanjay Sharma, CEO of the Association for Transgender Health in India (ATHI), advocates for a legal framework based on WHO guidelines. He cited the ICD-11, which defines gender to reflect modern understandings of sexual health and identity. "Gender-affirming care is the human right of a person," Dr. Sharma stated, questioning the amendment's medical board justification. He urges the government to implement a National Programme for Transgender Healthcare to ensure consistent care for self-identified transgender individuals.
Looking Ahead
As parents seek answers and solidarity, Sweekar continues to foster an inclusive environment. The group's efforts highlight the critical role of family support in navigating legal and social hurdles, emphasizing that the fight for transgender rights is a collective struggle involving entire communities.
