The decision to integrate SOGIESC into the curriculum follows various court directives and is driven by the need to address widespread misconceptions and prejudices.
Published Sep 30, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 30, 2024 | 9:00 AM
Kerala aims to challenge the deeply ingrained stereotypes that often marginalise gender and sexual minorities. (Wikimedia Commons)
In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the younger generation’s perspectives, the Kerala government has decided to introduce topics like Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) in the state’s education system.
These critical issues will now be an integral part of both general and higher education syllabuses.
The decision to integrate SOGIESC into the curriculum follows various court directives and is driven by the need to address widespread misconceptions and prejudices.
By incorporating scientifically accurate and socially relevant information, the state aims to challenge the deeply ingrained stereotypes that often marginalise gender and sexual minorities.
On 6 February 6, Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R. Bindu chaired a crucial meeting, which decided to include topics related to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) in educational syllabuses.
The meeting saw the participation of key figures, including the secretaries of the General Education, Higher Education, and Law departments, along with representatives from the Technical and Health Universities.
This decision marks a significant step forward, though it notably diverged from the earlier recommendations made by the State Transgender Justice Board, which had strongly advocated for the inclusion of SOGIESC topics to address the persistent issues of violence, discrimination, and exclusion faced by individuals with diverse SOGIESC backgrounds.
The urgency of this inclusion was underscored by the Board after witnessing myriad forms of violence and discrimination that people with diverse SOGIESC experience throughout their lives. This ranges from mistreatment by their families and local communities to discrimination in educational institutions, healthcare settings, and workplaces.
The exclusion continues in accessing public services, encounters with police and other officials, and even in the simple act of walking the streets.
Building on the momentum of this meeting, a state-level resource group comprising 18 members was constituted on 14 June to develop a comprehensive module for integrating SOGIESC into both general and higher education curricula.
To ensure a holistic approach, it was decided to establish three specialised sub-committees: the Course Curriculum/Module Committee, the Medical Course Curriculum Committee, and the Counselling, Legal, and Policy Framework Committee.
These committees will bring together subject matter experts to craft a curriculum that is both inclusive and educational, aiming to foster a more accepting and informed society.
Syama S Prabha, a transwoman and activist working for the rights of queer persons, welcomed the government’s decision.
“This decision by the government is a long-awaited response to several court orders and societal needs. A lot of scientific information regarding SOGIESC is available, and it is high time we understand that it is not a mental disorder but a diversity that cannot be treated,” the first transwoman to win a Junior Research Fellowship told South First.
“We must accept this diversity. Including these topics in our syllabuses will help eliminate many misconceptions,” she said.
Prabha also highlighted the ongoing efforts to raise awareness in educational institutions.
“The government is undertaking various initiatives to ensure that sexual and gender minorities gain acceptance in mainstream society. The move to incorporate SOGIESC in the syllabuses is crucial, especially at a time when some religious institutions are casting a negative light on these topics. This change will help the young generation grasp the reality that includes biological, psychological, and sociological aspects,” she said.
Prabha further mentioned that the State Transgender Justice Board first proposed the idea, and a preliminary meeting has already been held.
“The SCERT curriculum revision for 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th standards has already included topics on gender diversity and transgender issues. The revision for other grades, as well as higher secondary syllabuses, will follow,” she explained.
“We plan to incorporate SOGIESC topics during these discussions. Universities are already making some changes by including Queer literature, and it’s time for technical, legal, and health institutions to follow suit,” Prabha, who is also a member of the Course Curriculum/Module Committee, added.
Anil Arjunan, Director of Anannia, an NGO working with marginalised communities in Kerala, also welcomed the move.
“As they say, better late than never. This initiative should have come much earlier. Once these topics become part of the syllabus, the younger generation will have the opportunity to understand the scientific and real facts, as the content will be prepared by experts in the field,” he said.
Arjunan pointed out to South First that even a small inclusion, such as a paragraph in the syllabus, could make a big difference.
“Even a brief mention is enough to start changing minds. It is crucial to include clear definitions, such as how to define a transgender person. This will help dispel many misunderstandings and myths. It is commendable if these topics are introduced at an early stage,” he opined.
He stressed the importance of recognising the rights of transgender individuals.
“The younger generation should understand that just as a man or woman has the right to live as a man or woman, a transgender person has the right to live as a transgender person. Allowing them to do so is not an act of generosity; it is their right. If someone violates this right, it is a punishable offense. This is a message that must be instilled in the young generation,” he added.
According to an official of the Social Justice Department, when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) individuals challenge rigid societal norms, they become vulnerable to stigma, discrimination, and violence, facing blatant violations of their human rights.
“To combat inequality and injustice based on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), we must embrace and celebrate the natural diversity of SOGIESC as part of human sexuality. The cisgender, heterosexual, masculine, or feminine standard is just one of many expressions of identity, not the definitive norm. This will have to be disseminated to young minds,” the official said.
The LGBTQI community in the state hopes that by educating the youth on these issues, the state is laying the foundation for a future where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
