Ignoring judicial nudge for queer-inclusive education

Even in 2025, educational spaces remain alien to queer lives. A study reveals the heightened fear of harassment, outing, and erasure experienced by queer students.

- Jwalika Balaji Mandar Prakhar

The government has not followed the mandate laid out in Supriyo v. Union of India, to assess and redress discrimination faced by queer persons in different facets of life.

While there have been no legislative developments, incremental progress has emerged through judicial precedents and state-level policies. In Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action v. Union of India, the Supreme Court advocated for'a more holistic discourse on sex education which fosters empathy and reduces exploitative behaviour.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s State Policy for Transgender Persons, 2025, calls for inclusive admission procedures and the appointment of nodal officers in educational institutions. It also articulates a “right to representation” for transgender persons in education. However, it stops short of clarifying whether horizontal reservations will be provided -- a strong demand from many in the queer community.