In a recent order, the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) asked news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary's to display more maturity while reporting on queer and trans issues. Asking him to treat the #LGBTQIA+ community with more "dignity", the NBDSA asked three video clips of Chaudhary's to be taken down. These video clips were aired during the equal marriage rights case. In one of the videos, Chaudhary painted genderfluid persons in a ridiculing and sensationalist tone. He also furthered the stereotype that marriage equality was a "Western" concept and demands for it were being made only by "elite" sections of society. Why does the media matter? The media has a huge role to play when it comes to safeguarding the rights of protected groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community. By fanning stereotypes and spreading misinformation about already vulnerable groups, the media has the power to create a negative perception. For long queer and trans people, have been either mocked or villainized in pop culture. This can further stigmatize the community and harm their chances at accessing basic amenities like education, housing, healthcare. Negative stereotypes can directly lead to #discrimination and #violence. The media should take accountability and adopt a balanced and humane lens when dealing with queer and trans lives. It holds the power to open minds towards #advocacy, #inclusion and an accessible future. #lqbtqia #media #queerandtransrights #nbdsa
