The government of Tamil Nadu has issued a government order to publish a glossary of Tamil terms to address LGBTQIA+ community members, a first of its kind for the country. After the Madras high court nudged the state government to do so, the government has also made it mandatory for all forums, including the media, to address them only by using the specific terms published in the gazette.

The order, dated August 20, was passed following a suggestion made during the hearing of a plea filed by a lesbian couple alleging police harassment. The suggestion was made by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh to address all individuals belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community with due dignity.

On Monday, when the plea came up for hearing, a copy of the order issued by the social welfare and womens empowerment department was presented in the court stating that all concerned parties, including the press, must take note of the notification published in the gazette on August 20 and address all individuals belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community by using only the notified terms wherever required. Also, Justice Anand Venkatesh directed the state to file a status report and adjourned the hearing to September 2.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/in-a-1st-tn-unveils-glossary-to-identify-lgbtqa-persons/93741090 )