india

Updated: Apr 22, 2019 08:13 IST

Extending support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, Priya Dutt, the Congress candidate from Mumbai North Central constituency, on Sunday said she would push for formation of a dedicated

cell in the party for the community.

“Congress president Rahul Gandhi feels strongly about LGBT rights. We want to make it happen across constituencies, and not just in a particular city or state. Just like a human right cell, a different cell dedicated for LGBT is the need of the hour,” said the former MP, at a meeting with activists and members of the community.

Stating that the Congress is the only party that mentions the community in its manifesto, she said: “The community has been marginalised. I believe every person has a right to be themselves. The party is firm on its stand. Our secretary of Mahila Congress (women wing) is also a transgender,” Dutt said.

Harish Iyer, an LGBT activist, who recently joined the Congress, said the government can’t work in isolation to solve the issues that concern the community.

“LGBT community is not a homogeneous community. People belong to different castes, communities, religious backgrounds and economic strata,” Iyer said.

“With Harish joining the Congress, we will take the agenda of the community forward,” she said.