A new survey in Arunachal Pradesh has documented recurring experiences of widespread harassment of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the State.
What is driving the story
“Experiences of harassment and discrimination were reported across several settings. Because of fear of discrimination or violence, “Among the 61 respondents included in the analysis, 49.2% said they hid their gender identity or sexual orientation most of the time or always. Half of valid respondents said they felt accepted within their family rarely or never, while 44.3% said they felt safe in their local community rarely or never,” the HRI report said. Some 91.8% of respondents reported verbal harassment at least rarely, while 52.5% reported physical threats or violence at least rarely. Among valid responses, 85.0% reported discrimination in school or college at least rarely, and 63.2% reported workplace discrimination,” it said.
Evidence and Data
“Mental wellbeing emerged as a significant concern. The findings also point to a gap between awareness of rights and confidence in institutions. “LGBTQIA+ experiences in Arunachal Pradesh cannot simply be assumed from national conversations. Family, community, tribal identity, religion, education and employment all shape how people experience acceptance and safety here. The report recommends sustained sensitisation programmes in schools, colleges, workplaces, healthcare institutions, police and public administration; confidential mechanisms for reporting discrimination; stronger mental-health and peer-support systems; safe community spaces; more inclusive education and workplace practices; and locally grounded engagement with families, community institutions and faith leaders.
Among valid responses, 76.7% reported experiencing stress, anxiety or emotional distress related to discrimination sometimes or more often, including 48.3% who experienced it most of the time or always. Access to mental-health or peer support was uneven: 41.0% said such support was available most of the time or always, while 36.1% said it was available rarely or never,” the report said. 63.3% disagreed that laws and policies adequately protect LGBTQIA+ persons, and 66.7% disagreed that police and authorities respond sensitively to LGBTQIA+ issues While 56.7% of valid respondents agreed that they were aware of their legal rights.
The pestering or provocation has led to identity concealment, discrimination-related distress, and low confidence in institutional protection among the LGBTQIA+ respondents in the State, according to the Itanagar-based HimKai Research Institute (HRI). This is a baseline study and its numbers must be read with methodological caution, but they point to questions that deserve deeper research and serious public discussion,” he said.
