Transgender Rights, Representation & Reform in Indian Law

Event Date and Year:  03rd August 2025

Event Brief Description

The Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Club, School of Law, Galgotias University, organized an awareness-oriented webinar on “Breaking the Binary: Transgender Rights, Representation & Reform in Indian Law”. The session aimed to educate participants about the legal framework governing transgender rights in India, highlight real-life experiences of members from the transgender community, and encourage future lawyers to contribute towards creating an inclusive and just society. The event was designed to promote meaningful dialogue, break stereotypes, and strengthen understanding of gender diversity in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Event Detailed Description

Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Club, hosted a highly engaging and socially significant webinar via Google Meet. The theme, “Breaking the Binary: Transgender Rights, Representation & Reform in Indian Law”, was selected to address pressing concerns surrounding the legal status, representation, and societal acceptance of transgender persons in India.

The webinar featured two eminent speakers:

Adv. Raghavi Shukla – One of the first openly transgender lawyers practicing in Delhi Courts. She delivered an inspiring address by sharing her personal journey, professional challenges, and triumphs in the legal system. Her insights into navigating systemic barriers, advocating for the rights of transgender individuals, and the role of pro bono legal services deeply resonated with the audience. She also highlighted practical steps that young law students could take to support marginalized communities.

Dr. Swarupa Deb – Human Rights Practitioner and Visiting Faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. Dr. Deb provided a detailed policy and academic perspective on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. She analyzed the law’s strengths and limitations, discussed international best practices, and explained how inclusive legal education can play a transformative role in dismantling prejudices.

The event was enriched by an interactive Q&A session, where participants posed insightful questions regarding legal reforms, workplace inclusion, and advocacy strategies. The dialogue encouraged critical thinking and motivated participants to actively engage in promoting equality and justice.

Department Name: School of Law, Galgotias University

Event Outcome:

The webinar served as a transformative learning experience for participants, deepening their understanding of the challenges faced by transgender individuals in legal, social, and institutional contexts. It successfully sensitized students and faculty members to issues of gender diversity, representation, and equality, fostering empathy and informed engagement. Attendees were introduced to both lived experiences and academic perspectives, allowing them to appreciate the intersection of law, policy, and human rights advocacy. The session also inspired many to explore pro bono work as a means of contributing to social justice. Importantly, the event strengthened linkages between the academic community, practicing lawyers, and human rights professionals, ensuring continued dialogue and collaboration for legal reforms and inclusivity.

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