Anish Gawande, a 27-year-old trailblazer, has made history by becoming the national spokesperson of the Nationalist Congress Party, led by Sharadchandra Pawar. He is India's first openly gay spokesperson within a major political party.
Gawande is not only a political figure but also the visionary founder of Pink List India, a groundbreaking initiative that serves as the nation's foremost repository of politicians advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Guided by a profound sense of legacy, Gawande draws inspiration from his grandfather, TK Tope, an instrumental figure who collaborated with Dr BR Ambedkar in formulating the Constitution and the Hindu Code Bill. Despite never having the opportunity to meet his grandfather, Gawande remains steadfast in his dedication to following in his footsteps.
His academic journey led him to pursue comparative literature at Columbia University, followed by a focus on intellectual history and public policy at Oxford University. Following his decision to publicly embrace his identity, Gawande delved into the complexities of Francophone West Africa, extensively immersing himself in Senegalese linguistic politics. Notably, he was on the cusp of beginning a career in academia when an unexpected opportunity arose: the chance to spearhead an election campaign in India.
In a candid and insightful conversation with News Arena India, Gawande elaborates on the profound significance of being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in the realm of Indian politics. He also articulates his vision for catalysing positive change in this continually evolving landscape.
How has your personal identity shaped your political beliefs and actions?
My queerness has been instrumental in helping me understand the impact of marginalisation and in instilling in me a deep commitment to the upliftment of all sections of society. That has manifested, politically, in a commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution and in the pursuit of a politics enshrined in social justice.
As the national spokesperson for NCP (SP), what are your key priorities, especially concerning LGBTQ+ rights?
As National Spokesperson, my key priorities are to expand the party's outreach to English-speaking voters in Maharashtra and across India. More importantly, my goal is to effectively communicate the party's rich history of commitment to progressive causes - from Pawar Saheb's starting of a women's policy 30 years ago to Supriya Tai's creation of an LGBTQ+ cell a few years ago.
On LGBTQ+ rights, I look forward to working closely with Priya Patil ji, the head of our party's LGBTQ+ cell, to bring about effective reforms for the community.
How do you navigate the complexities of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within a party that may have diverse opinions on the issue?
The NCP (SP) stands firmly behind LGBTQ+ rights. This is a commitment reiterated by the party's top leadership and one that resonates across the rank and file of the party's cadre. That being said, any form of social change is a gradual one - and I look forward to bridging any conversations around LGBTQ+ rights within the party with grace, compassion and understanding.
What are your long-term goals both within your political career and in your advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights?
There's only one goal in sight currently: the 2024 Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections. I want to work towards ensuring that we put an MVA government in power, which will automatically ensure that the lives of LGBTQ+ citizens in Maharashtra take a turn for the better.
What advice would you give to young LGBTQ+ individuals who aspire to enter politics or social activism in India?
When I came out almost a decade ago, I thought it would be impossible to be out in Indian politics. Today, I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to occupy a prominent post within a national party - and I hope this serves as an example for younger queer people across the country to dare to dream big. I can only promise to support them to the maximum extent possible in realising their dreams.
How do you perceive the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in India, especially after the decriminalisation of Section 377?
We are at a pivotal moment in India with respect to LGBTQ+ rights. After the reading down of Section 377, we have had to knock on the doors of courts for every small advancement in LGBTQ+ rights. That needs to complemented by political advocacy pushing for LGBTQ+ rights in the corridors of power - in parliament, in state assemblies, in municipal corporations. That's where real change will begin.
How do you think the Indian political landscape is evolving in terms of inclusivity and representation of marginalised communities?
We are witnessing the crafting of a new political imagination today. After the landmark 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there is renewed vigour and enthusiasm within the opposition. The people of India have voted decisively against a politics of hate and in favour of a politics of love and unity. It is time to build upon that momentum, to ensure that diverse voices enter the decision making space, and to work together to craft what our vision of a new, progressive India looks like.
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