Belagavi: Around 250 members of the transgender community staged a peaceful protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Belagavi, demanding the withdrawal of the Transgender Amendment Act 2026 on April 6, 2026. The demonstration lasted nearly three hours and drew attention from local residents and activists.
We saw colorful banners and slogans calling for equality and dignity. Protesters submitted a memorandum to district officials outlining their concerns. “The amendment restricts our rights instead of protecting them,” said one participant. Police confirmed that the protest remained peaceful, with no incidents reported.
Our sources confirmed that the protest was organized by five local transgender associations and supported by activists from Dharwad and Hubballi. The group alleged discrimination under the state’s ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. “Transgender persons are being denied access. We are citizens too,” said a community leader.
Protesters demanded mandatory sensitization training for bus staff and public service employees. “We face humiliation every day. Training can change attitudes,” said another activist. Officials noted that over 1,200 bus staff across North Karnataka could be included in the proposed training program.
Similar demonstrations have taken place in Bengaluru and Mysuru, with more than 1,000 participants statewide. The Belagavi protest added momentum to the growing call for policy review.
A related social media embed will display photos and videos from the protest, showing placards reading “Equal Rights, Equal Respect.” The hashtag #TransRightsBelagavi trended locally for several hours, with over 10,000 views on community posts.
Officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s office received the memorandum and assured that the concerns would be forwarded to the state government. The protesters dispersed peacefully after the submission.
The demonstration highlighted the growing demand for inclusion and respect for transgender persons across Karnataka. Activists said they will continue their campaign until the amendment is withdrawn.
