India has a new trans rights law - and it’s sparked protests episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 10, 2026 · 9 MIN

India has a new trans rights law - and it’s sparked protests

from What in the World · host BBC World Service

India has passed a controversial bill that seeks to change how transgender people are legally recognised and their right to self-identify. The government says this legislation is meant to protect vulnerable groups from being exploited. But it’s caused protests by opposition parties and members of the LGBTQ community.In this episode the BBC’s Anahita Sachdev, based in Delhi, breaks down everything we need to know about the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026, including how this law could impact India’s ‘third gender’. We also hear from trans-rights activist Don Hasar who shares why some people are worried. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producer: Mora Morrison Editor: Harriet Oliver

India has passed a controversial bill that seeks to change how transgender people are legally recognised and their right to self-identify. The government says this legislation is meant to protect vulnerable groups from being exploited. But it’s caused protests by opposition parties and members of the LGBTQ community.In this episode the BBC’s Anahita Sachdev, based in Delhi, breaks down everything we need to know about the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026, including how this law could impact India’s ‘third gender’. We also hear from trans-rights activist Don Hasar who shares why some people are worried. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producer: Mora Morrison Editor: Harriet Oliver

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India has a new trans rights law - and it’s sparked protests

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India has passed a controversial bill that seeks to change how transgender people are legally recognised and their right to self-identify. The government says this legislation is meant to protect vulnerable groups from being exploited. But it’s...

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