News and Events => Political and Legal News => Topic started by: Shana A on July 07, 2009, 02:40:08 PM Return to Full Version
Title: A 'Common Front' for The Marginalized in India Gay Activist Works to Build Broad
Post by: Shana A on July 07, 2009, 02:40:08 PM
Post by: Shana A on July 07, 2009, 02:40:08 PM
A 'Common Front' for The Marginalized in India
Gay Activist Works to Build Broad-Based Political Party
By Emily Wax
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, July 6, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502516.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502516.html)
BANGALORE, India -- Popping out of an auto rickshaw, Manohar Elavarthi unloaded a backpack stuffed with protest posters. Soon he would be rushing to a street demonstration, one that would bring together low-caste Dalit activists, Gandhians, cross-dressers and members of domestic workers unions.
Elavarthi aspires to be the first openly gay man elected to a major political office in India, like Harvey Milk in the United States. Elavarthi is credited with being the first gay figure in India to build a mainstream political coalition across a wide spectrum of historically marginalized groups.
"Our dream for Indian politics is to build a common front of lesbians, untouchables, eunuchs and low-paid workers -- people who really need a voice in this country," said Elavarthi, who has received death threats for his views, largely from right-wing religious groups and police. "India -- the new India -- is really changing. We need to build a party around social justice for minorities. It would be a sign that India is a true secular democracy."
Gay Activist Works to Build Broad-Based Political Party
By Emily Wax
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, July 6, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502516.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502516.html)
BANGALORE, India -- Popping out of an auto rickshaw, Manohar Elavarthi unloaded a backpack stuffed with protest posters. Soon he would be rushing to a street demonstration, one that would bring together low-caste Dalit activists, Gandhians, cross-dressers and members of domestic workers unions.
Elavarthi aspires to be the first openly gay man elected to a major political office in India, like Harvey Milk in the United States. Elavarthi is credited with being the first gay figure in India to build a mainstream political coalition across a wide spectrum of historically marginalized groups.
"Our dream for Indian politics is to build a common front of lesbians, untouchables, eunuchs and low-paid workers -- people who really need a voice in this country," said Elavarthi, who has received death threats for his views, largely from right-wing religious groups and police. "India -- the new India -- is really changing. We need to build a party around social justice for minorities. It would be a sign that India is a true secular democracy."