The Women Safety Wing of the Telangana State police launched Pride Place, the first police-led initiative in the country dedicated exclusively to supporting the LGBTQIA community.
M Mahender Reddy, the director-general of police, unveiled the logo of Pride Place and a booklet with details, including the Standard Operating Procedures for the initiative. A number of judgements have been made in support of the queer community and new laws have been enacted in recent years, he said.
I believe that it is time for various stakeholders to come together and enforce these laws. This agency will serve as a one-stop solution for the Trans community in the State. This may be a small step, but I believe it will create a long-term impact on our society.
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As per the instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the cell was formed with the purpose of raising awareness about the rights of transgender and LGBTQIA people and preventing crimes, monitoring cases of crimes against transgender people, and setting up mechanisms to ensure that such cases are promptly investigated and prosecuted. Additionally, the cell aims to create safe spaces for the community.” “The initiative entails training and sensitization of police personnel on transgender and LBGTQ issues with the creation of protection cells at the State and district levels.”
They will be overseen by police officials and collaborate with a coordinator from the transgender community as well as legal advisors. According to Swati Lakra, Assistant Director-General of Police, Women Safety Wing, “we will strive to ensure that we provide a safe and secure environment for them.” She further said the initiative is a collaborative endeavour by the police and NGOs for the upliftment of the community. The transgender woman Harshini Mekala was selected as the coordinator for Pride Place and will be responsible for taking forward the initiative and enabling queer community participation.” Mamata Raghuveer, the founder of Tharuni, an NGO dedicated to women’s welfare, and Tashi Choedup from Anveshi Research Centre played essential roles in conceptualising the cell.”
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