‘Trans rights are human rights’ echoes in Hyderabad as LGBTQIA+ community protests against Transgender Persons Amendment Bill

Hyderabad on Wednesday witnessed a strong show of solidarity from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, as hundreds gathered at Dharna Chowk raising slogans of ‘Trans rights are human rights’. The protest saw participants draped in pride flags and holding placards voicing opposition to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026.

A stage was set up at the venue, adorned with the pride flag and a prominent poster reading ‘Reject Trans Bill 2026’. The demonstration was organised in response to the amendment Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13. The proposed changes seek to alter how transgender identity is defined and officially recognised, including provisions that may require individuals to undergo verification procedures, potentially involving medical scrutiny, before being issued a certificate of identity.