DT Next

SWD to scout NGOs working for queer community

CHENNAI: The Commission­erate of Social Welfare has directed all the district social welfare officers to ascertain the details of non-government­al organisati­on (NGOs) including community-based groups (CBOs) working for the rights and welfare of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgende­r, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) members.

It has instructed the welfare officers to submit the details of NGOs along with their contact details and area of focus this week.

The department issued the notificati­on after the Madras High Court (MHC) directed the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowermen­t to enlist non-profits, including community-based groups with sufficient expertise in handling the issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We have found eight NGOs/CBOs working with the community members in the city so far. The names of these non-profits will be listed in the portal of the ministry and the public can contact them for help,” said the department official.

This initiative is being taken as the nodal ministry, the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) has been compiling the list of NGOs and CBOs along with their address, contact details, and services to be published and revised periodical­ly on the official website of the ministry.

The court through this initiative notes that any member of the LGBTQIA+ community may approach any of the enlisted NGOs for protecting their rights.

“Further, the concerned NGOs/CBOs in consultati­on with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowermen­t shall maintain confidenti­al records of such persons who approach the listed NGOs and the aggregate data shall be provided to the concerned ministry bi-annually,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the government is likely to release a draft policy formulated for LGBTQIA+ community members in the State in the next three months.

The draft policy will be made public calling in suggestion­s and recommenda­tions for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other stakeholde­rs.

The draft policy along with the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare department had been formulated by an 11-member committee, composed of different people in the spectrum.

The department has instructed the welfare officers to submit the contact details of NGOs this week