TN Medical Council orders sensitisation of doctors, students on transgender health
The move follows the recent release of the State Policy for Transgender Persons by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, which seeks to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the community over the next five years Chennai: In a significant step towards inclusive healthcare, the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) has directed all medical practitioners, educators and students in the state to undergo sensitisation programmes on transgender health, LGBTQIA+ issues, and the rights and dignity of sexual minorities. The move follows the recent release of the State Policy for Transgender Persons by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, which seeks to improve the socio-economic conditions of the community over the next five years. According to the circular issued by TNMC, all Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes in Tamil Nadu must incorporate mandatory sessions dedicated to transgender health and broader LGBTQIA+ concerns. The registrar stressed that such sensitisation was “imperative” to ensure that medical professionals not only provide equitable care but also uphold ethical and legal responsibilities. These sessions will also educate stakeholders about the prohibition of coercive practices, including so-called “conversion therapy”, which has been discredited worldwide. The circular outlined that the sensitisation sessions could be conducted either as standalone CMEs or integrated within existing academic schedules. Importantly, medical colleges and training centres must furnish completion reports to the Council within 30 days, while TNMC itself will monitor implementation by calling for records and verifying compliance. The training modules will also emphasise best practices in medical education and clinical care for trans persons, while ensuring that members of the transgender and LGBTQIA+ community share their lived experiences. This inclusion, officials noted, is designed to foster empathy and break down stereotypes that have long created barriers to accessing healthcare. The larger policy framework, released in July, also includes several welfare measures such as scholarships for transgender and intersex students pursuing higher education, the appointment of nodal counsellors in colleges, the establishment of short-stay homes for trans persons, and the launch of a toll-free helpline. Together, these initiatives represent the first comprehensive attempt by the Tamil Nadu government to institutionalise support systems for the trans community. By insisting on mandatory sensitisation in the medical sector, the TNMC has underlined the critical role healthcare professionals play in shaping inclusive spaces. For a community that has long battled stigma and systemic discrimination, these steps promise not just recognition but also a safer and more dignified future within Tamil Nadu’s healthcare system. Courtesy : Madhyamam Note: This news is originally published on https:/madhyamam.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
I worry about…: Suspect confesses to trans partner after shooting Charlie Kirk
The suspect appeared virtually for his first court hearing today after being formally charged on seven counts. Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty, citing text messages and a handwritten note in which he appeared to confess to the crime. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, allegedly admitted to carrying out the attack at Utah University last week. In a series of text messages to his transgender partner and roommate, Robinson discussed the rifle he used and revealed other details, including the motive, according to court documents. Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his ‘American Comeback Tour’ when he was struck in the neck by a single rifle shot. Court filings state that the 22-year-old admitted to planning the killing for over a week and even left behind a handwritten note revealing his intentions.Police said the roommate handed over the text messages, according to the documents. The roommate was described in court filings as “a biological male who was in a romantic relationship with Robinson.” The suspect appeared virtually for his first court hearing since he was formally charged on seven counts today. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty, citing text messages and a handwritten note in which he appeared to confess to the crime. CONFESSION IN TEXTS TO ROOMMATE Less than three hours after Kirk was fatally shot, Robinson messaged his live-in partner, Lance Twiggs, directing them to check under his computer keyboard. Twiggs, who is now cooperating with the FBI in the probe, found a note that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.” At first, Twiggs texted back asking whether the note was some kind of twisted prank. Robinson allegedly replied, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.” When Twiggs pressed him directly, Robinson admitted to killing Kirk. “You weren’t the one who did it, right?” asked Twiggs. “I am. I’m sorry,” Robinson replied. Twiggs asked why he did it, to which Robinson replied, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out. If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on. I haven’t seen anything about them finding it,” revealing the motive. ROBINSON PANICKED ABOUT LOSING FAMILY RIFLE Robinson allegedly told Twiggs he used his grandfather’s scoped .30-06 hunting rifle and hid it in nearby bushes after the attack, changing clothes to deceive the police. “I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpa’s rifle. How the f*** will I explain losing it to my old man,” Robinson wrote in one of the exchanges cited in the indictment. Robinson never managed to retrieve the weapon because police had already secured the area. Prosecutors say Twiggs has not been charged and is fully cooperating with investigators. One of Robinson’s final messages before surrendering read: “(Y)ou are all I worry about love.” The suspect was arrested on Thursday night, about 33 hours after the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed. US President Donald Trump has publicly supported calls for Robinson to face the death penalty and attended Kirk’s funeral. Top administration officials have threatened to go after left-wing organisations in the wake of the assassination, which Trump blamed almost immediately on the “radical left.” Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
SC to hear plea on reservation for Transgender in medical education
According to Jaising, both petitioners had written the entrance exams, but ambiguity persisted over the cut-off marks applicable in case of transgender reservation being recognised. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on September 18 a plea over reservation of seats for transpersons in higher medical education institutions. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said if there was a top court order for granting quota to transgender persons, then it should be followed. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for few petitioners, said one of the issues was whether quota for the third gender persons will be horizontal or not. Under horizontal quota, transgenders, irrespective of the fact whether they belonged to SC, ST, OBC, and general categories, would get the benefit of reservation on account of them belonging to the third gender. Jaising sought implementation of reservation benefits for transgender candidates in postgraduate medical courses in line with the landmark 2014 NALSA judgment that recognised the rights of transgender persons, including their entitlement to affirmative action. The senior lawyer said she was representing three persons who applied for postgraduate medical training institutes. She said while one of the petitioners have now sought to withdraw the plea, the rest of the candidates, who belong to OBC and the general categories, respectively, want to avail the quota benefits. According to Jaising, both petitioners had written the entrance exams, but ambiguity persisted over the cut-off marks applicable in case of transgender reservation being recognised. She pointed out various high courts issued conflicting orders, some granting ad-hoc reservations for transgender candidates and some declining the relief. Posted by Marziya Sharif Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Breaking barriers: Raj’s first transgender lawyer vows to fight for equality
Jaipur: Raveena Singh was raised as a boy named Ravindra Singh in a conservative family in Sojat City in Rajasthan’s Pali district. Yet from an early age, her heart and soul resonated with a different truth—she felt like a girl. Her gestures, the way she spoke and the choices she made all expressed her authentic self. Despite facing rejection and lack of support, Ravindra’s determination never wavered. On Aug 2, she became the first transgender lawyer to register as a woman named Raveena with the Bar Council of Rajasthan—marking a historic milestone. Her journey from a conservative upbringing to the hallowed halls of the Rajasthan High Court is a testament to her resilience and determination. Raveena always felt a disconnect between her assigned gender and her true identity. Despite societal pressures and familial expectations, she embraced her authentic self, a decision that came with its own set of challenges. “I may have a manly body but I act, walk and think like a woman,” she recalls telling her family, a revelation that was met with resistance. Raveena’s path was not an easy one. She was initially compelled to conform to the traditional roles expected of the transgender community, such as singing and dancing at auspicious occasions—a practice she found uncomfortable and stigmatising. “There was vulgarity involved; things I did not like,” she shares. Her aspirations lay elsewhere. Driven by a desire to advocate for her community, she pursued a law degree from Maharaja Ganga Singh University in Bikaner. On Aug 2, Raveena’s dream came to fruition as she registered with the Bar Council of Rajasthan, a historic milestone that she hopes will pave the way for greater representation of transgender individuals in all professional fields. “My career as a lawyer has just started but I also work as a freelance makeup artist to sustain myself financially,” she explains, in an exclusive interview with TOI. “I will fight for transgender rights. Just as there are men and women in every field—politics, civil services, education—there should also be transgender representation in these fields,” she asserts. She points out the irony that while the Supreme Court has mandated rights for transgenders in education and employment, official categories for transgenders are still missing in many systems. “If my story inspires even one transgender person, I will be happy,” she says, while filing a writ petition related to transgender rights at the Rajasthan high court Tuesday. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender board serves legal notice to govt over alleged discrimination
Patna: The Bihar State Kinnar Kalyan Board on Monday issued a legal notice to the state govt, demanding Rs100 crore for the welfare of the transgender community. The board accused the govt of systemic discrimination and exclusion from welfare schemes, and has sought a formal response within seven days. Board member Rajan Singh criticised the govt for failing to provide even a basic office for the board since its formation, raising concerns about its operational effectiveness. He pointed out that while various schemes and pension plans have been announced for men and women—especially during election campaigns—no such initiatives have been introduced for the transgender community. “The govt has denied us political and social inclusion, which is a violation of our rights,” Singh said. He warned that any department found discriminating against transgender individuals would face legal consequences. The board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring access to education, healthcare, employment, and dignity for the transgender community through grassroots efforts. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgenders beat up eight men impersonating them, hand them over to Dhanbad police
Dhanbad: Eight men, who posed as transgenders and allegedly extorted money from truckers and passers-by on GT Road between Panduki and Kisan Chowk under Barwadda police station limits, were handed over to the police on Monday. Interestingly, the impostors were exposed and handed over to cops by a group of transgenders. Locals said around a dozen fake transgenders were spotted harassing commuters and forcibly collecting money by the local transgender community. Angered by repeated complaints of such activities, the transgenders confronted the imposters. In the confrontation that followed, eight young men were caught red-handed, thrashed on the spot, and later handed over to Barwadda police. The transgender community claimed that these fake transgenders were damaging the image of their society by indulging in unlawful practices in the guise of begging and collecting money. “For the past several days, we had been receiving complaints that some men, dressed as transgenders, were creating nuisance on GT Road. They would stop trucks and pedestrians, demand money forcibly, and misbehave with drivers,” said Shweta Kinnar, a Dhanbad member of the Jharkhand Kinnar Board, while speaking to the media. Shweta said, “We earn our living with dignity and do not indulge in such illegal acts. But these imposters were tarnishing our image. Today, we caught eight men red-handed and handed them over to Barwadda police. We demand strict legal action against them to set an example,” she said. Police officials confirmed receiving eight persons in custody. “We have taken them into custody, and the matter is being investigated. Legal action will be taken based on the evidence,” said a police officer. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Charlie Kirk shooting: Suspect Tyler Robinson not cooperating with FBI; had relationship with trans roommate
Utah governor Spencer Cox confirmed Sunday that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination, is not cooperating with the FBI. Robinson, 22, was arrested without bail for allegedly killing conservative activist and Trump ally Kirk during a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Live-in transgender partner cooperating Cox also confirmed that Robinson’s live-in romantic partner was a transgender and is cooperating with the investigation. The Daily Mail identified the partner as Lance Twiggs, a transgender individual transitioning from male to female. The couple shared a three-bedroom apartment in St George, Utah. “The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female,” Cox said, as quoted by The New York Post. “This partner has been incredibly cooperative [and] had no idea that this was happening. And, he’s working with investigators right now.” While the Bureau declined to comment on whether the partner could face charges, a spokesperson emphasised the scale of the investigation. Suspect described as ‘deeply indoctrinated’ Cox while speaking to CNN’s State of the Union described Robinson as “deeply indoctrinated in leftist ideology.” “That information comes from the people around him — his family members and friends,” he added. He also confirmed that authorities are still investigating Robinson’s motive. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Charlie Kirk killing: Kin says Tyler Robinson’s transgender partner ‘hates conservatives and Christians’ – inside their relationship
A relative of the transgender and the romantic partner of Tyler Robinson revealed that he “hates conservatives and Christians” and may have influenced the assassin’s political views. In an interview with Fox News Digital, the relative of the 22-year-old transgender partner said that he is in the process of transitioning from male to female. The alleged romantic partner of Tyler has not been charged yet, and the name has not been revealed Transgender partner hated Christians and conservatives The woman further revealed to Fox News Digital that her relative (the transgender person) began to act differently when he turned 18 and developed a hatred against Christians and conservatives. “He hates conservatives and Christians,” the relative told Fox News. “He hated us. He was not raised that way, but he, over the years, has become really detached [and] been radicalised,” she added. ‘He got worse in last year or two’ “He has obviously gotten progressively worse the last year or two,” she said, adding that he’s “always very angry.” She emphasised that suspect Tyler’s political views were influenced by his partner since they began dating. ‘More of the influencing’ “I think Tyler got a whole lot worse in the year they have been dating. They are big gamers, and obviously, they have that group that influences them as well as others. But my gut tells me [the roommate] did more of the influencing,” she told Fox News. “Everybody in my family wants justice to be served and wants no part in this and wants whoever is involved in whatever way to have to pay for that,” she added. Earlier, an FBI official told Fox News that Robinson’s partner has been “extremely cooperative” and claimed he “had no idea” about Robinson’s alleged plans to kill Kirk. Robinson and his roommate shared an apartment in St George, Utah, where both their families live. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Charlie Kirk shooter Tyler Robinson lived with a transgender partner, claims report
The roommate who revealed texts with Tyler Robinson that helped law enforcement conclude that Tyler was indeed the shooter of Charlie Kirk is a transgender person, reports claimed, making a major revelation. The authorities have not revealed the transgender person’s identity, but the person is part of the investigation. The partner is in the process of transitioning from a male to female, Fox News reported. It is interesting that Tyler fired his shot targeting Charlie Kirk when Kirk was asked a question about transgender mass shooters. “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Charlie Kirk was asked. “Too many,” Kirk said. “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk was asked in a follow-up question. “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked seeking clarification on the question, when the bullet hit his neck and he collapsed. He was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery. He did not survive the injury. — BrookeSingman (@BrookeSingman) ‘This is now officially trans violence’ — bennyjohnson (@bennyjohnson) The revelation that Tyler has a trans partner gave a new turn to the assassination as MAGA commentators claimed this to be trans violence. MAGA commentators said more is to come out soon about the assassination and Charlie Kirk was absolutely right that there were too many trans shooters in America now. The revelations gives a probable motive to the investigators, though as of now they are seeing it as a political killing, as Tyler told pals and family members that he did not like Charlie Kirk much as he was hateful. Tyler did not like that Charlir Kirk was coming to the Utah Wave University for this event. Utah Guv Spencer Cox claimed that Tyler was deeply indoctrinated with left ideologies — though the Robinson family is Trump supporters. Are there too many transgender shooters in America? What was Charlie Kirk’s view on transgender people? According to fact-checking website PolitiFact, Charlie Kirk was wrong when he said there were too many trans shooters in the US and data showed trans people conduct a very small percentage of mass shootings. Charlie Kirk had a very strong feeling against transgender people and called them “an abomination”. In one speech, he described trans people as a “throbbing middle finger to God.” He also opposed gender-transforming surgeries and said doctors who perform those are like Nazis committing atrocities. “One issue I think that is so against our senses, so against the natural law and dare I say a throbbing middle finger to God, is the transgender thing happening in America right now,” he said during a speech posted in 2023 by Right Wing Watch. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Charlie Kirk assassination: FBI says shooter Tyler Robinson’s transgender partner ‘had no idea’; fully cooperating in investigation
The partner of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating US President Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk, is cooperating fully with investigators and had no knowledge of the alleged plan, senior FBI officials told Fox News Digital. Robinson, who lived in St George, Utah, shared an apartment with the individual, described by officials as a male transitioning to female. The FBI confirmed the two were in a romantic relationship. One FBI official said the partner has been “extremely cooperative,” stressing that the person “had no idea” Robinson was planning to target Kirk. The partner has not been accused of any wrongdoing, according to Fox News. — nicksortor (@nicksortor) Apartment searched, digital evidence seized Investigators revealed they obtained text messages and communications between Robinson and the partner, which helped them identify Robinson as the suspect. Agents also seized computers and other evidence from the couple’s apartment, which has been sent to FBI headquarters in Quantico for analysis. While the Bureau declined to say whether Robinson’s partner could face charges, a spokesperson emphasised the scale of the probe. “The FBI is investigating a record number of tips. Every connection, every group, every link will be investigated, and anyone involved in this matter, anywhere in the world they might be, will be brought to justice,” the spokesperson told Fox News. The apartment is located in the same southern Utah community where Robinson’s parents live, about four hours from Utah Valley University in Orem. It was on the university’s campus that Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Wednesday while addressing a crowd. Authorities believe Robinson fired a single round from the roof of a building roughly 200 yards away. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights