KOZHIKODE: The Students' Union of the Government Medical College (GMC) here has launched a year-long programme titled 'Aham' aimed at gender sensitisation and upholding the rights of LGBT community. Among the various plans, one is to provide 'transgender' option in the sex column of the case sheet of patients at the medical college hospital. " The idea is to accept the sexuality of transgenders like others and carry the message of gender equality," said Shreya Mariyam Salim, vice-chairperson of the union. There is stigma even among the medical fraternity to discuss LGBT issues.
"We were discouraged to conduct an open discussion on LGBT rights on the campus. However, we convinced the authorities about the aim of the programme and held a discussion last week," explained Shreya. The main panellist of the discussion, gender activist Dr A.K. Jayashree, praised the students for selecting such a topic. The union also intends to bring out a documentary on the lives of transgenders. "We hope 'Aham' will prompt the medical students and society to upholding the rights of transgender community," said Students Union chairman A. Aakhil Nabuhan.
