2405:204:91AD:F3A0:0:0:4A9:8A4: /* 1800s */Rm boldly

2021-02-08T19:21:11Z

1800s: Rm boldly

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{{short description|Events impacting the welfare of Tamil sexual minorities.}}
The following list is a partially completed compilation of events considered to have a profound effect on the welfare or image of [[Tamil Sexual Minorities|Tamil sexual minorities]]. The use of bold typeface indicates that the event is widely considered to be landmark:

== Timeline ==
'''3rd century BC to c. 4th century AD'''
* [[Sangam literature|Tamil Sangam literature]] refers to relationships between two men and explores the lives of [[trans women]] in the [[Aravani|Aravan]] cult in [[Koovagam]] village in [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/no-more-under-siege/article5247859.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=A. | last=Shrikumar | title=No more under siege | date=2013-10-18}}</ref>

=== 1800s ===
* 1862: The colonial law criminalizing homosexual sex is implemented by Lord [[Thomas Macaulay]] through the Indian Penal Code in British India and the [[Straits Settlements]].

=== 1990s ===
* 1986: Screening of ''[[My Beautiful Laundrette]]'' at [[British Council]] where same-sex love is depicted on the big screen for the first time in [[Chennai]].
* 1990: [[Tamil Nadu]] government forcibly tested several hundred sex workers and then locked up 800 infected women for several months.
* 1993: Publication of Robert Oostvogels and Sunil Menon's mimeograph ''Men Who Have Sex With Men-Assessment of situation in Madras was'' prepared for the government of Tamil Nadu
* 1993: Sekar Balasubramaniam, a volunteer for Community AIDS Network (CAN), comes out as gay and HIV-positive.
* 1998: Sahodaran, first group for sexual minorities formed in Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://menofindia.net/salute/|title=We salute you! - Men of India|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref>
*1999: Mailing list gaychennai started on yahoogroups.com as the first list for the Chennai gay community.
* 1999: The essay 'Queer Madras of the mid-80s'<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orinam.net/queer-madras-of-the-mid-1980s/|title=Queer Madras of the mid-1980s, and sundry musings on sexuality|last=says|first=Sridhar Rangayan|date=2013-08-21|website=orinam|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> circulated on Indian LGBT lists.

=== 2000s ===
* 2003: Movenpick group formed, later renamed [[Orinam]], and mailing list started.
* 2004: First Chennai LGBT film festival,<ref name="saathii.org">{{Cite web|url=http://saathii.org/gensex/chennai/|title=SAATHII:: Gender & Sexuality > Chennai|website=saathii.org|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> [[Alliance Française|Alliance-Francaise]] and SAATHII, with volunteer support from Orinam.
* 2005: The Many Colours of Love: LGBT documentary festival,<ref name="saathii.org"/> Alliance Francaise and SAATHII, with volunteer support from Orinam.
* 2006: Conference on third gender organized by Nalamdana.
* 2006: The website Orinam.net is launched.
* 2006: March for transgender rights while legislative assembly is in session in Tamil Nadu, organized by Sangama, THAA, SWAM, and other groups. Catalyzed Tamil Nadu government initiatives for transgender welfare.
* 2006: Suicide by self-immolation of transgender teenager Pandiammal/Pandian, sexually abused by Chennai police.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/probe-ordered-into-abuse-of-transgender-teen/article3051260.ece|title=Probe ordered into abuse of transgender teen|date=2006-11-22|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-04|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* 2007: [[Madras High Court]] ruling in Jayalakshmi vs. State of Tamil Nadu by AP Shah.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1373799/|title=Jayalakshmi vs The State Of Tamil Nadu on 10 July, 2007|website=indiankanoon.org|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref>
* 2007: Sangama establishes Chennai chapter.
* 2007: Police advocacy on sexuality issues initiated by Tamil Nadu AIDS Control Society, implemented by community groups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.is/QfeDY|title=International AIDS Society - Abstract - 200719804|date=2014-07-09|website=archive.is|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref>
* 2007: Shakti Resource Centre formed and organizes film series - ''Desire and Sexuality''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ciqff.net/2013/05/lgbt-film-festivals-in-chennai-brief.html|title=Reel Desires CIQFF 2014: LGBT film festivals in Chennai: a brief history|date=2014-07-14|access-date=2019-06-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174719/http://www.ciqff.net/2013/05/lgbt-film-festivals-in-chennai-brief.html|archive-date=2014-07-14}}</ref> at the LV Prasad Film and TV Academy.
* 2008: [[Rose Venkatesan]] becomes the first transgender woman talk show host on Chennai television.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/world/asia/20chennai.html|title=Tackling a Society's Boundaries, on TV and in a Family|last=Gentleman|first=Amelia|date=2008-02-20|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-01-13|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
* 2008: Double-suicide of Christy and Rukmini.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Harassed-lesbian-couple-ends-life/articleshow/3049896.cms|title=Harassed lesbian couple ends life {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India|last=May 18|first=TNN {{!}}|last2=2008|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-01-13|last3=Ist|first3=2:27}}</ref>
* 2008: Peer-counseling preparatory workshop (4 sessions: June 8, June 15, June 22, July 6) of Shakthi Resource Centre in collaboration with Sahayatrika, Sahodaran, Orinam/MP, and Lotus Sangam.
* 2008: Aravani (Transgender) Welfare Board constituted by state government.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://infochangeindia.org/human-rights/the-body-politic/interrogating-aravani-activism-in-tamil-nadu.html |title=Interrogating aravani activism in Tamil Nadu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213071729/http://infochangeindia.org/human-rights/the-body-politic/interrogating-aravani-activism-in-tamil-nadu.html |archive-date=2010-02-13 |access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref>

==== 2009 ====
* A same-sex wedding is held in South Africa according to Hindu rites.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/gay-wedding-irks-south-african-hindus-393330|title=Gay wedding irks South African Hindus|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref>
* Thirunangai.net, the world's first matrimonial website for trans women, is launched by [[Kalki Subramaniam]] of the Sahodari Foundation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/Portal-to-bliss/article12063437.ece|title=Portal to bliss|last=Frederick|first=Prince|date=2009-09-01|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-13|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* Peer-counseling multi-weekend course of Shakthi Resource Centre and Center for Counseling.
* Public screening of [[Milk (2008 American film)|''Milk'']], organized by the U.S. Consulate at Film Chamber, as part of the Oscars film festival.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Festival-with-Hollywood-flavours/article16583373.ece|title=Festival with Hollywood flavours|date=2009-06-23|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-13|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* '''The High Court of Delhi suspends the colonial-era law banning homosexuality'''.
* The Hindu Council of Britain announces that Hinduism does not condemn homosexuality.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/jul/03/hinduism-does-not-condemn-homosexuality.htm|title='Hinduism does not condemn homosexuality' - Rediff.com India News|website=news.rediff.com|access-date=2017-12-09}}</ref>
*[[The Hindu (newspaper)|The Hindu]], national newspaper published from Chennai, features editorial in support of LGBT rights post-Naz decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/Homosexuality-medicine-and-psychiatry/article16562362.ece|title=Homosexuality, medicine and psychiatry|date=2009-07-25|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-13|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* First Chennai Rainbow Pride March.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Rainbow-over-the-Marina/article15916739.ece|title=Rainbow over the Marina|date=2009-06-30|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-13|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* Campaign for Open Minds launched.
* Chennai Rainbow Coalition started.
* First meet for parents of LGBT people in Chennai organised by Center for Counseling.<ref>[http://orinam.net/content/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2009_chennailgbt_highlights_2.pdf First Meet of LGBT Parents]</ref>
* Reverend George Zachariah delivers inspiring sermon at Gurukul Chapel calling on Christians to be inclusive of LGBT people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orinam.net/resources-for/religion-and-faith/christian-perspectives-on-lgbt-issues/|title=Christianity|website=orinam|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref>
* Transgender woman, [[Narthaki Nataraj]], conferred Nrityachoodamani title by Krishna Gana Sabha.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nritya Choodamani Awardees Gallery |url=http://www.krishnaganasabha.org/nrityachoo.html |website=krishnaganasabha Org |publisher=krishnaganasabha |accessdate=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101060211/http://www.krishnaganasabha.org/nrityachoo.html |archive-date=2013-01-01 }}</ref>

=== 2010s ===

==== 2010 ====
* First edition of 'Our Children'/'Nam Kuzhanthaigal' booklet for parents of LGBT children released by Orinam.
* Chennai Dost formed.
* Launch of Tamil edition of the ''Love That Dare Speak Its Name'' post-377 anthology by Sangama Chennai.
*RIOV, a social group for lesbians and bisexual women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/jun/27/at-last-lesbians-in-the-city-find-their-space-266742.html|title=At last lesbians in the city find their space|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref>
*September: Skandaraj Navaratnam is murdered by former partner and serial killer [[2010–2017 Toronto serial homicides|Bruce McArthur]] in Toronto, Canada.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-the-eight-lives-taken-from-torontos-gay-village/|title=The eight lives taken from Toronto's Gay Village|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref>

==== 2011 ====
*[[Srishti Madurai]] formed as India's first student volunteer LGBTQIA educational research foundation.<ref name="One Who Fights For an Other">{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/edex/One-Who-Fights-For-an-Other/2015/04/13/article2756559.ece|title=One Who Fights For an Other|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
*Maatruveli (மாற்றுவெளி), a Tamil academic journal brings out a special issue on sexuality, guest edited by Ponni and Aniruddhan Vasudevan.
* Chennai Dost website launched.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://chennaidost.com/|title=Chennai Dost|website=Chennai Dost|accessdate=2015-09-06}}</ref>
*Chemistry Club campus groups launched by Chennai Dost.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Clubs-for-gays-spring-up-on-Chennai-campuses/articleshow/9352983.cms|title=Clubs for gays spring up on Chennai campuses {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India|last=Jul 25|first=R. Vasundara {{!}} TNN {{!}} Updated|last2=2011|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-01-13|last3=Ist|first3=14:48}}</ref>
* Public protests against homophobic remarks made by Union Health Minister [[Ghulam Nabi Azad]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orinam.net/chennai-rainbow-coalition-protests-health-minister-azads-msm-remarks/|title=Chennai protests Health Minister Azad's homophobic remarks, July 5, 2011|date=2011-07-05|website=orinam|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref>
*Srishti Madurai launches India's first helpline for [[Genderqueer]], LGBTQIA at Madurai.

==== 2012 ====
* Asia's first [[Genderqueer]] pride parade and [[Alan Turing]] centenary celebrations commenced at [[Madurai]] in July 2012.<ref>D. Karthikeyan, [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/madurai-comes-out-of-the-closet/article3702689.ece "Madurai comes out of the closet"], ''The Hindu'', July 30, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-and-Transgender-community-seeks-to-increase-support-base/articleshow/15247326.cms "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community seeks to increase support base"], ''The Times of India'', July 29, 2012.</ref>
* Reading group called ''Orinam's Quilt'' is launched.
* First LGBT education fest for school students launched by Srishti Madurai at Madurai. It was attended by 600 school students.<ref>[[Gopi Shankar Madurai]], [http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/making-themselves-heard/article3605820.ece "Making themselves heard"], ''The Hindu'', 5 July 2012.</ref>
* [[Gopi Shankar Madurai]] of Srishti Madurai becomes the youngest panelist to share a chair at the [[University Grants Commission (India)|University Grants Commission]]'s sponsored seminars on gender and sexuality that have been taking place in Tamil Nadu since 2012–2014.<ref name="One Who Fights For an Other"/>

==== 2013 ====
*First officially sponsored LGBT sensitization event at IIT-Madras.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IIT-Madras-to-give-ear-to-homosexuality-issues/articleshow/18651745.cms|title=IIT-Madras: IIT-Madras to give ear to homosexuality issues {{!}} India News - Times of India|last=Feb 24|first=M. Ramya {{!}} TNN {{!}}|last2=2013|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-01-13|last3=Ist|first3=3:22}}</ref>
* Chennai Rainbow Film Festival organized by Chennai Dost and Alliance Francaise.
* LGBTQ helpline launched by Srishti Madurai begins 24-hour service with tagline "Just having someone understanding to talk to can save a life".<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/24-hour-helpline-launched-for-LGBTs-in-Madurai/articleshow/20994000.cms?referral=PM "24-hour helpline launched for LGBTs in Madurai"], ''Times of India'', July 10, 2015.</ref>
*[[Chennai International Queer Film Festival]] is organized by a collective of groups - Orinam, Goethe-Institut, RIOV, Nirangal, SAATHII, East-West Center for Counselling, Shakthi Resource Centre,and Oye!Chennai.
*[[The American College in Madurai]] undergraduate English department includes [[Funny Boy]] by [[Shyam Selvadurai]] as part of syllabus under gay literature and ''The Truth about me: A Hijra Life story'' by [[A. Revathi]] under Third Gender literature marginalized studies.<ref name="ReferenceA">http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/making-gender-flexible/article6527959.ece</ref>
* Nirangal registered as an NGO (formerly Sangama Chennai).
* The Supreme Court of India rules that constitutional law relating to a ban on gay sex should be required to be subject to a constitutional reform procedures unless superseded by higher law, and restores the colonial era law banning gay sex.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/12/11/india-supreme-court-strikes-down-law-decriminalizing-homosexual-conduct.html|title=India's Supreme Court upholds colonial-era anti-gay sex law|date=2013-12-11|work=Fox News|access-date=2017-12-09|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Orinam launches '''377archives'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orinam.net/377|title=Orinam Section 377 - Hues may vary but humanity does not - Bharathiyar|website=Orinam Section 377|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-14}}</ref>

==== 2014 ====
* First book on [[genderqueer]] in Tamil and first Tamil book on LGBTQIA from Srishti Madurai released by BJP's state general secretary [[Vanathi Srinivasan]] at the Hindu spiritual service foundation's sixth service fair, Chennai.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Its-a-great-honour-to-be-awarded-for-book-on-gender-variants-Gopi-Shankar/articleshow/38769130.cms "It's a great honour to be awarded for book on gender variants: Gopi Shankar"], ''The Times of India'', July 21, 2014.</ref><ref>http://www.asianage.com/india/bjp-supports-tn-leader-book-lgbt-157</ref><ref>Gladwin Emmanuel,[http://www.mumbaimirror.com/news/india/BJP-leader-launches-LGBT-rights-book-in-TN/articleshow/38157614.cms "BJP Leader Launches LGBT Rights Book in TN"], ''Mumbai Mirror'', 11 July 2014.</ref>
* Orinam launches '''377letters''', an online archive of letters to the [[Chief Justice of India]] opposing the [[Supreme court|Supreme Court]] verdict.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/tPnP4x32aT7Br0eJ74kmEO/The-Love-Issue--Sealed-with-a-kiss.html|title=The Love Issue {{!}} Sealed with a kiss|last=Chowdhry|first=Seema|date=2014-02-08|website=Livemint|language=en|access-date=2020-01-14}}</ref>
*First homophobic rally in Chennai by Christians Against Homosexuality collective.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orinam.net/homophobic-christian-rally-jan-5-2014/|title=Homophobic Christian Rally: Chennai, Jan 5 2014|date=2014-01-05|website=orinam|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-14}}</ref>
*''Christians Against Homophobia'' started in response to the Christians Against Homosexuality collective. Mailing list goes national.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gaylaxymag.com/latest-news/christians-against-homophobia-group-formed-in-chennai/|title='Christians Against Homophobia' Group Formed In Chennai|last=Bharadwaj|first=Anirudh|date=2014-01-09|website=Gaylaxy Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-14}}</ref>
* Madras High Court ruling on 17 April in ''Jackuline Mary vs. The Superintendent of Police, Karur'' cites NALSA to grant recognition to a police constable's right to self-identify as a woman and condemns physical/medical testing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orinam.net/ftm-is-inclusion-nalsa-jackuline-mary-vs-superintendent-police-karur/|title=FTM and Intersex inclusion in NALSA? Jackuline Mary vs. The Superintendent of Police, Karur|date=2014-05-06|website=orinam|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-14}}</ref>
* Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition formed.
* Nir, a queer feminist collective, formed.
*''Vannam'', [[Indian Institute of Technology Madras|IIT Madras]] queer collective formed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/paving-the-path-to-an-equal-society/article6568362.ece|title=Paving the path to an equal society|last=Sreevatsan|first=Ajai|date=2014-11-06|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-14|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* A month long celebration commences in October to celebrate ''LGBT History Month'' at [[The American College in Madurai]] with a lecture on gender and sexual minorities organised by Srishti Madurai.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

==== 2015 ====
* Tamil movie "[[I (film)|I]]" by [[S. Shankar|Shankar]] released with transphobic depictions leading to community protests throughout state.
* Thirunangai (trans woman) Bhavana sexually assaulted by Pulianthope police after detention for an alleged crime.
* Chennai Rainbow Film Festival 2015 is organized by Chennai Dost on June 26–28.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Rainbow-Film-Fest-Returns-to-Town/2015/06/13/article2863214.ece|title=Rainbow Film Fest Returns to Town|accessdate=2015-09-06}}</ref>
*[[Jawaharlal Nehru University]], New Delhi, starts offering "Others" option in the gender column of the application form due to the efforts of [[Gopi Shankar Madurai]] of Srishti Madurai and the student community at JNU.<ref name="One Who Fights For an Other"/>
* Srishti Madurai urges [[Lok Sabha]] MP's to include [[intersex]] people in a bill to protect the rights of trans people.<ref>http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/List-Intersex-in-Transgender-Bill-Urges-NGO/2015/08/29/article2998899.ece</ref><ref>http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/08/29/india-urged-to-include-intersex-people-in-bill-protecting-trans-rights/</ref>
* Tamil Nadu LGBTIQ community organizes online campaign for HIV Awareness.

==== 2016 ====
* Activist [[Gopi Shankar Madurai]] makes a bid to contest as one of the youngest candidates in the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Tamil Nadu Assembly]] election and also the first openly [[Intersex]] and [[Genderqueer]] person to do so. He secured 14th place out of 21 candidates by securing 1% vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/intersex-person-to-contest-from-madurai-north/article8539185.ece |title=Intersex person to contest from Madurai North - TAMIL NADU |publisher=The Hindu |date=2016-04-30 |accessdate=2016-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= Priya Menon|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections-2016/tamil-nadu-elections-2016/news/3rd-gender-gets-a-new-champion-in-Tamil-Nadu-poll-ring/articleshow/51935940.cms |title=3rd gender gets a new champion in Tamil Nadu poll ring - Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2016-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Priya Menon |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Intersex-candidate-alleges-harassment/articleshow/52197962.cms |title=Intersex candidate alleges harassment - Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2016-05-10 |accessdate=2016-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/intersex-person-contesting-tn-polls-ze-wants-change-your-mind-sexual-minorities-42103 |title=This intersex person is contesting TN polls, 'ze' wants to change your mind on sexual minorities |publisher=The News Minute |date=2016-04-24 |accessdate=2016-05-22}}</ref>
* Madras High Court questions the Centre on abysmal state of LGBT rights in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shouldnt-LGBT-peoples-rights-and-privacy-be-protected-Madras-HC-asks-Centre/articleshow/50795376.cms|title=Shouldn't LGBT people's rights and privacy be protected, Madras HC asks Centre {{!}} India News - Times of India|last=Jan 31|first=A. Subramani {{!}} TNN {{!}} Updated|last2=2016|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-01-14|last3=Ist|first3=18:31}}</ref>
* Community gathering, candlelight vigil, and press meet leading up to Supreme Court decision on [[Curative petition|Curative Petition]] on 31 January.
*[[Srishti Madurai]]'s new website is launched by Dalit activist and Ambedkarite Ma. Venkatesan from BJP in the presence of Central Minister [[Pon Radhakrishnan]], [[Vanathi Srinivasan]], [[Aravindan Neelakandan]], [[Joe D'Cruz]], and [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] volunteers at Chennai.<ref>http://www.firstpost.com/living/rss-flip-flop-on-homosexuality-indicates-gay-men-in-india-remain-in-exile-writes-ashok-row-kavi-2685296.html</ref>
* Community gathering and press meet for trans inclusion in political parties campaigning in state elections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/110316/transgenders-to-take-poll-plunge.html|title=Transgenders to take poll plunge|last=Vannan|first=Gokul|date=2016-03-11|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2020-01-14}}</ref>
*Queer and Allies Art Festival (QAAF) performances in Chennai, organized by MIST.
* LGBT activists hold candlelight vigil in Chennai for Orlando victims.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tamilnadulgbtiq.in/2016/06/lgbt-activists-hold-candlelight-vigil.html|title=LGBT activists hold candlelight vigil in Chennai for Orlando victims|website=www.tamilnadulgbtiq.in|accessdate=7 June 2016}}</ref>
* Panel discussion exploring the intersections between violence against women and violence targeting LGBTIQA+ communities at the fourth edition of Reel Desires, [[Chennai International Queer Film Festival]] 2016.
* Srishti Madurai, along with [[Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary]] in Madurai,a conglomerate of the [[Church of South India]] (CSI), and the [[Lutheran Church]] organize an introductory seminar for church pastors on LGBT issues.<ref>http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/awesome-tamil-nadu-seminary-teaching-pastors-accept-lgbt-community-46577</ref>
* [[Gopi Shankar Madurai]] of Srishti Madurai shortlisted for The Commonwealth Youth Worker Award as regional finalist for Asia.<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Gender-rights-activist-shortlisted-for-international-award/articleshow/54968127.cms</ref><ref>http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/finalists-2016-commonwealth-youth-worker-awards-announced</ref>

==== 2017 ====
*''LGBT Workplace: Expanding the Dialogue in India,'' an event that brought together employers, employees, and activists to address challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/lgbt-community-symposium-seeks-a-level-playing-field-at-workplace/articleshow/58791981.cms|title=LGBT community symposium seeks a level playing field at workplace|author=Kamini Mathail|date=23 May 2017|publisher=TOI|accessdate=3 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elsevier.com/connect/symposium-spotlights-lgbt-workplace-inclusion-in-india|title=Symposium spotlights LGBT workplace inclusion in India|author=Michiel Kolman|date=13 June 2017|publisher=Elsevier|accessdate=3 July 2017}}</ref>
*''The Gabrielle Show'' – Chennai's first drag show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2017/may/17/aint-nothing-wrong-with-being-a-drag-1605556.html|title=Ain't nothing wrong with being a drag!|author=Abinaya Kalyanasundaram|date=17 May 2017|publisher=New Indian Express|accessdate=3 July 2017}}</ref>
* Community gathering and discussion on online safety and harassment<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hidden-pockets.com/chennai-prides-guide-to-handle-online-harassment-for-lgbtqia/|title=Chennai Pride's guide to handle online harassment for the LGBTQIA+ -|date=2017-06-16|access-date=2017-07-10|language=en-US}}</ref> held as part of [[Chennai Rainbow Pride]] month.
* First-of-its-kind Tamil Lesbian Anthem as part of a documentary titled, ''Ladies And Gentle Women''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/this-lesbian-anthem-sings-a-tune-of-change/articleshow/57918205.cms|title=This Lesbian Anthem sings a tune of change|author=M Suganth|date=31 March 2017|publisher=TOI|accessdate=3 July 2017}}</ref>
* The [[Supreme Court of Sri Lanka]] proclaims that it would be inappropriate to impose custodial sentences in a situation where two parties have consensual sex even when criminalized by law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/SL-committed-to-non-discrimination-based-on-sexual-orientation-Nerin-Pulle/108-140616|title=SL committed to non-discrimination based on sexual orientation: Nerin Pulle|website=www.dailymirror.lk|language=English|access-date=2020-01-14}}</ref>

==== 2019 ====
* The [[Madras High Court]] (Madurai Bench) passes a landmark judgment upholding the marriage rights of transgender and intersex women under Hindu Marriage Law<ref name="Live Law.in">{{cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/transwoman-regarded-as-bride-madras-hc-bans-sex-re-assignment-surgeries-intersex-children-144467|title="Transwoman A 'Bride' Under Hindu Marriage Act": Madras HC; Also Bans Sex Re-Assignment Surgeries On Intersex Children [Read Judgment]|accessdate=2019-04-24}}</ref> and issues direction to ban sex-selective surgeries on intersex infants based on the works of [[Gopi Shankar Madurai|Gopi Shankar]].<ref name="The News Minute">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ban-sex-reassignment-surgeries-intersex-infants-madras-hc-tells-tn-govt-100565|title="Ban sex reassignment surgeries on intersex infants Madras High Court tells Tamil Nadu Govt" - The News Minute|accessdate=2019-04-24}}</ref> The Court took note of the rampant practice of compulsory sex reassignment surgeries performed on intersex infants and children. The court expressed its gratitude to Shankar, noting that his work has been a "humbling and enlightening experience for the Court."<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/ruling-on-intersex-infants-madurai-activist-comes-in-for-praise-by-hc/articleshow/69016201.cms|title=Ruling on intersex infants: Madurai activist comes in for praise by High Court|accessdate=2019-04-24}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Tamil]]
[[Category:Sexuality in Asia]]

Timeline of Tamil sexual minorities - Revision history

JamelSkidmore: minor edit

2405:204:91AD:F3A0:0:0:4A9:8A4: /* 1800s */Rm boldly