Awareness session on “Legal Safeguards of the Transgender Community”

Chandigarh, February 9, 2026: An awareness session on “Legal Safeguards of the Transgender Community” was successfully organised by the Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in collaboration with Saksham Prakriti Welfare Society, Chandigarh. The session aimed to sensitise students about the rights, legal status and lived realities of the LGBTQI+ community in India.
The programme commenced with a welcome of the guest speakers by Chairperson Prof. Monica Munjial Singh and Dr. Gaurav Gaur from the Centre for Social Work, who also honoured them with tokens of gratitude.
The session was addressed by Mx. Dhananjay and Advocate Maninder, who served as the resource persons. Mx. Dhananjay familiarised students with important terminology related to the LGBTQI+ community and elaborated on the historical journey, struggles, challenges and the ongoing fight for dignity, acceptance and inclusion. The discussion enabled students to develop a nuanced understanding of gender diversity and the social realities faced by the community.
Advocate Maninder provided an in-depth explanation of the legal provisions and safeguards available to the transgender and LGBTQI+ community in India. The discussion covered key legal milestones such as the NALSA judgment (2014), the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, relevant constitutional provisions and issues related to inclusion, marital rights, employment opportunities and systemic challenges. Special emphasis was laid on practical difficulties concerning identity documents, affidavits and legal recognition, highlighting the gap between law and its implementation.
Students from the University Institute of Legal Studies also actively participated, enriching the session through questions and shared perspectives. The interactive nature of the programme encouraged meaningful dialogue between students and the resource persons, helping participants gain clarity on the legal status, rights and constitutional protections guaranteed to the LGBTQI+ community.
The session concluded with an invitation from Saksham Prakriti Welfare Society, Chandigarh, encouraging students and faculty members to participate in Chandigarh’s Pride Walk scheduled on 22 February, as a gesture of solidarity and support for equality, inclusion and human rights.