Draped in light blue, pink, and white transgender pride flags, participants from across the Mumbai Metropolitan
Digital Desk: Members of Mumbai’s queer community gathered in large numbers at Azad Maidan on Wednesday to protest against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, recently passed in the Lok Sabha. Protesters alleged that the bill is exclusionary and undermines the right to self-identification.
Draped in light blue, pink, and white transgender pride flags, participants from across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region assembled to demand the withdrawal of the bill. Holding placards reading “Reject Trans Bill” and “My Gender, My Rules,” demonstrators warned of continuous, widespread protests if the bill is enacted into law.
The community has strongly opposed provisions in the amendment that require certification through medical boards, arguing that such measures introduce bureaucratic control and threaten the fundamental rights of transgender individuals, including bodily autonomy and self-determination.
The Mumbai Queer Pride collective also launched the “Kapde Nahi Utaareinge” (We Won’t Remove Our Clothes) campaign, opposing the removal of self-identification rights guaranteed under the 2014 NALSA judgement.
Trans rights activist Zainab Patel criticised the bill for recognising only four transgender communities—Kinner, Hijra, Aravani, and Jogta, while excluding others. She stated that the legislation attempts to redefine transgender identities without consulting the community.
Echoing similar concerns, activist Harish Iyer said the bill represents a serious intrusion into personal autonomy, asserting that individuals should have the sole right to define their own identities.
Mridul Dudeja, a trans man, also expressed disappointment, noting that the bill fails to recognise trans-masculine identities. He further questioned the government’s intent, pointing out that only a small portion of the allocated welfare funds for the transgender community has been utilised in recent years.
The protests reflect growing nationwide opposition to the proposed legislation, with activists calling for its immediate withdrawal.
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