LGBT film fest roots for landmark ruling on transgender rights

The ruling granted the transgenders a special provisions for admission to educational institutions and employment opportunities. The SC also added that if a person surgically changes his/her sex, then he or she is entitled to her changed sex and can not be discriminated.

This latest development on human rights is a hugely welcomed decision and gay activist, filmmaker and festival director of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival Sridhar Rangayan said, "This is indeed a landmark judgment that will have a far reaching effect on rights and welfare for transgender community in India. It will provide them right to education, health, employment and several other welfare schemes. It will make the community come out of the shadows and be part of the social mainstream".

He also said that this year's theme for KASHISH 2014: 'Dare To Dream' aptly reflects this emerging change. "Every year we program a large number of films on transgender issues from across the world and they have been greatly appreciated. This year too there is a spotlight on transgender films as well as a panel discussion planned to discuss the current scenario," said Rangayan.

Highlighting the key transgender films, director of programming Saagar Gupta said, "Films on Transgender issues to watch out for at KASHISH 2014 are 'Will This Change' from Bangladesh, 'My Mother' from UK, 'Sexicas' from Spain, as well as 'Rainbows Are Real', 'I'dentity' from India, among several others. 'Can You See The Real Me' about the life and work of celebrity transgender hairstylist Slyvie is sure to touch many hearts and offer hope."

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2014 – the fifth edition returns to win  hearts and create ripples with a bold theme ‘DARE TO DREAM’ starting from 21st May – 25th May 2014.