Under the Rainbow

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Dhaka Live

Thursday, 24 November 2011

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DhakaLive shares the lessons learned in the course of the festival that seeks to raise awareness and promote acceptance

In Bangladesh, the Lesbian, Gay, Trans and B-sexual (LGBT) community live on the margins of society, forced ‘underground’ and refused any role in the public domain, they have developed a distinct sub-culture of their own. However, the collective denial of their existence, often attributed to religious and social conservatism, creates stereotypes and stigmatizes those who are ‘different’. The Goethe-Institut, in association with various organisations working with and run by the LGBT community, namely the Boys of Bangladesh (BoB), Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Shawprova and Badhon Hijra Shangha, have come together to address this area. Under The Rainbow festival, in its third year now, aims to raise awareness and shed much needed light on the taboo topic. At its heart lies the profound need to recognise and respect people, and ensure human rights is accessible for everyone, especially the LGBT community. As part of the wider global movement, which has progressed in terms of social acceptance by breaking people’s stereotypes, in Bangladesh, the rights of people whose gender or sexuality does not fall under what is accepted as ‘normal’ are discriminated against, and ostracised, because their rights are unrecognised. In the 21st Century it is vital for us to ask what is normal and who determines whether it is, or not. The undeveloped human rights movement is at the core of the festival, and celebrates people and love, by raising as well as creating awareness through cultural interactions.
The three- day long al event, which started on  November 17, comprised two photography exhibitions, German photographer Verena Jaekel’s series of images, New Family Portraits, was an example of how prejudices play into perceptions of what is normal. The portraits of same sex German families at first glance appear as any couple with their children. Only when you are informed of the content do you notice the difference, if at all. The Other Side of the Wall has Bangladeshi photographer Shah Mohammad Sazzad’s images showing exactly the opposite of Jaekel’s, here on the other side of the world, they reveal the isolation of a life lived on the margins, which is forced upon the LGBT community. The photos portray the vast differences in the two societies, in Bangladesh people live hidden lives in far from ideal circumstances, while in Germany with acceptance, people live with dignity as productive members of society. Jaekel has showcased her work in various countries, stated, “The movement for gay rights is gaining ground across the world. In Germany same-sex partnership is no longer a shocking matter and has gained a lot of acceptance but we can improve situation even more.” Sazzad added, “The fact that religion shapes people’s mindsets makes it harder to address the issue of homosexuality. The topic is also only ever spoken of as a sordid sexual view, so to break free from such stereotypes and stigmatization, we need to change the image and replace it with dignity for same-sex couples.”
An open discussion with Dr. Shahidul Alam, photographer and founder of the Drik Gallery and Pathshala - South Asian Media Academy, gave participants a chance to voice their fears and concerns, Dr. Alam, raised his concern that society is silent with regard to the topic of gay rights. He stated how important it is to speak freely about sexuality and the importance of sex education in schools, a subject not addressed anywhere, not at home or in schools. Among those present were many parents and youngsters, a section of the population who as a generation are better informed, though not all are accepting due to ingrained prejudices. It was encouraging to see parents sharing their experiences of discussing such sensitive topics as sex with their children, a benefit they never had. A teacher reiterated how schools must include health, sex and sexuality in the curriculum, stating, “Children don’t have a platform where they can openly discuss about these issues, and in our homes or schools, there are no opportunities for them to broach the topic, the curriculum doesn’t have adequate space where students can learn or raise queries, concerns or fears.” Dr. Alam agreed frank and open discussions such as this one was a big step forward.  A documentary, Our daughter, Our friends, directed by Sumeru Mukhopadhyay was screened, bringing home the truth about how harsh life is for transsexuals in Bangladesh. Seen as outcastes, transgender individuals are ostracised, but by refusing to conform, the community has survived despite all odds clinging to each other for support, and have to an extent blossomed because of society’s fear of them, making them fearless.  Their existence is resented by certain ultra-conservative elements of society.  The day ended with a performance by the Srishti Cultural Centre in collaboration with Bandhu Social Welfare Society, the choreographed contemporary dance moves on themes such as ‘Envy’, ‘Colour of life’ and ‘Colour’ was an eye opener. 
On the second day, another discussion focussed on the rights of homosexuals and same sex couples with Barrister Sara Hossain. Recognition for the rights of the LGBT community has a long way to go, writer and activist Hasna Hena stated, “The right to live according to one’s own sexual preference is a basic human right. Family, society or state should not intervene or impede the right to live a dignified life with one’s own choice of partner.” Unfortunately, there are many who choose to have a mindsets that is more suited to the middle ages, and for people to emerge from the dark ages requires change in perception, Ehsanul Haque, a moderator with BOB, one of the oldest online platforms for gay men in Bangladesh shared some their experiences, the organisation strives to ensure the rights of gay men, works to boost self-esteem with support to give them a sense of belonging. Barrister Hossain stated, “There will always be difference in definitions of ‘normal’. But as human beings, it is our duty to learn to accept other’ definition of ‘normal’ so that everybody feels equal.” Social and religious prejudices are blatantly reflected in Bangladesh’s Criminal Code, where Section 377, a legacy of Colonial rule, which defines consensual intercourse between same sex couples as “against the order of nature”, and is punishable by life imprisonment. Though it is rare to find people prosecuted under Section 377, it still stands as testimony of the nation’s mindset, and should raise questions about Bangladesh’s human rights status and commitment. In courts and mainstream media, the topic is largely ignored, however, as the festival shows, change is taking place in the public sphere, as Barrister Hossain pointed out that though the topic is taboo, the fact that people are talking about it, and attending events such as this, means there is hope. She explained how there are various loopholes legally and that’s perhaps why authorities are reluctant to, or even unable to persecute. Md Rofiul Islam, a senior counsellor with Bondhu wanted to know about the rights of people who opted to stay together, as friends often do, the clarification was helpful for everyone, regardless of sexual orientations, the marriage laws differ for Hindus and Muslims, with various rules. “There are three sides when you decide to marry, this includes, whom to marry, when to marry and actually choosing whom to marry. And these three aspects are the rights of every human being, irrespective of society, culture and religion. Now that people are talking about homosexual relationships, there will of course be backlash. The matter of staying friends is something that is a raising issue; it is something that can be achieved gradually.  We are taking baby steps and needs to go much further,” concluded Hossain. The LGBT movement and civil society members are calling for the repeal of Section 377. No body believes it will be easy, as the issue comes up for debate, there is bound to be a great outcry from people whose mindsets are shaped to a large extent by religion. After the serious talks, a tongue in cheek beauty pageant for transgender contestants, judged by Deputy Secretary of Finance Syed Md. Ebadur Rahman, Shamim Ara Nipa and photographer Verena Jaekel, incorporated messages promoting and advocating the rights of the LGBT community and same sex couples in Bangladesh. Sneha, one of the organisers and choreographer said, “The event celebrates beauty. The participants have always aspired to be women because that is what they felt they were and this is a chance for them to dress up and show their beauty in all its glory.” The festival gives the transgender community a platform, and the ten very excited and exquisite contestants were Ananya, Prema, Rony, Happy, Payel, Choto, Shamim, Jhinuk and Shimu; when Shimu won the crown, with Ananya and Shamim adjudged second and third, the jubilation was positively heart-warming.
On the final day, the open discussion planned with Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission had to be cancelled, but this did not detract from the course of the event. As the day rolled to an end, the euphoria was palpable; the grand celebration was a party, Rainbow Resonance, with UK based Bangladeshi DJ Omer Nashaad. All the programmes, including the films screened focussed on issues pertinent to the LGBT community, and brought home how we must recognise everyone’s right to live a life of dignity. Angela Grünert, the Goethe-Institut’s director shared why they are engaged in the LGBT movement in Bangladesh, “Everyone should have equal rights in society,” was her simple explanation, which applies to everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, sex or sexual orientation. As change rolls in and slowly overcomes opposition, it is hoped by redefining our mindset, with an eye on cultural identity, human rights and progress. For policymakers, religious and secular leaders, members of the civil society and legal experts, this will be a great challenge. l