Statement: Intersex Asia condemns violence against Gopi Shankar Madurai and calls for the protection of intersex activists

Intersex Asia condemns violence against Gopi Shankar Madurai and calls for the protection of intersex activists

Intersex Asia unequivocally stands in solidarity with Gopi Shankar Madurai (a former board member of Intersex Asia), who is also the South Representative of the National Council for Transgender Persons – a statutory body in India created by the Transgender Persons Act, 2020.

We strongly condemn the brutal attack inflicted on them by six unidentified men in Delhi. An attack of this nature against a prominent activist in the capital city is likely to have a chilling effect on future activism in the country. We are deeply concerned about the safety and security of intersex activists in India.  

Gopi Shankar has been threatened by physical violence and attacked several times since 2021 and has even previously asked for intervention from the central government. This was the fifth instance of violence against them. The first four instances took place in the state of Tamil Nadu. India has witnessed several major progressive reforms recognizing the rights of people with diverse SOGIESC identities, including the intersex community. It is profoundly worrying that attacks against intersex activists continue even after law enforcement agencies have been put on notice. 

We demand that this assault against Gopi Shankar Madurai be speedily investigated. The assailants must be swiftly identified and apprehended by the police. In light of the lack of gender sensitivity training programs, we urge the police to remain aware of the nature of the crime and the persons involved.

We strongly urge the National Commission for Human Rights, India, to look into this matter and other acts of violence against the Transgender and Intersex community in India. We remain hopeful that the Indian Government and the police authorities in the instant case, take the necessary measures to ensure the welfare and safety of the intersex activists in India. We also demand that police protection be assured to Gopi Shankar in the future, given the serious threat against them.