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LGBTQ rights in Goa
Overview of LGBTQ rights in the Indian state of Goa From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in Goa are governed primarily by federal Indian laws—such as the 2018 decriminalisation of same‑sex activity (Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India) and the 2014 legal recognition of transgender identity (NALSA v. Union of India)—while state-level protections remain limited. Despite this, Goa has emerged as one of India’s more tolerant regions for LGBTQ people, particularly in its urban and tourist centers; locals and visitors report that Goa’s queer-focused spaces, events, and arts communities foster a supportive environment.[1][2]
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Historical context
In 1989, activist Dominic D’Souza was forcibly quarantined under Goa’s Public Health Act after testing HIV-positive. His legal fight became one of the earliest documented cases of HIV and queer rights activism in the state.[3]
In January 2015, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Ramesh Tawadkar proposed setting up treatment centres to "cure" LGBT youth, drawing severe criticism nationwide.[4][5] The Chief Minister at the time, Laxmikant Parsekar, later clarified that homosexuality was a "natural quality" and distanced the government from Tawadkar’s comments.[6]
In 2023, following the Supreme Court’s decision not to legalise same-sex marriage, Goa-based activists urged the state government to take legislative steps, but no bills have yet been introduced.[7]
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Recognition of relationships
Although Goa applies the Goa Civil Code, which is uniform and gender-neutral in some aspects, it still defines marriage as between a man and a woman. There is no legal recognition for same-sex marriages or civil unions. However, in 2023, the Supreme Court noted that same-sex couples have the right to cohabit and enjoy some protections under law.[8]
Discrimination protections
There are currently no state-level anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation or gender identity in Goa. Federal law under the Transgender Persons Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, but not sexual orientation.[8]
Societal attitudes
According to a 2018 study by the Goa Livelihoods Forum, 63% of LGBTQ individuals reported workplace verbal abuse, and 87% of transgender respondents dropped out of school due to harassment.[9]
However, Goa is perceived as more tolerant than many other Indian states, especially in tourist areas, with many LGBTQ individuals reporting neutral to positive experiences.[1] There has also been an increase in the number of gay marriages performed in the State.[10]
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Activism and community
- The Goa Rainbow Trust, established in 2018, provides mental health support, advocacy, and community outreach.[11]
- Rainbow Pride- Pride De Goa walks have been held in Panaji since 2017.[12]
- The Humsaath Trust, as of 2023, supports over 10,000 LGBTQ individuals in the state and has advocated for legal protections and employment rights.[7]
See also
References
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