Sapphosophy - CURRENT POLITICS

Lesbianism and India
by Kanika Goswami

A large number of studies that delve into the ancient Hindu scriptures to look for acceptability, or at least instances of lesbian behavior often come up with a priceless observation…things haven’t changed much for same sex relationships for women over millennia.

The Irony of being a woman in India
by Kanika Goswami

Eve, in the Middle Eastern Garden of Eden, was made out of Adam’s rib. She was, as a result, subservient to man. But in Indian mythology, one of the creators of mankind and their life’s philosophy was Ila, a woman. In ancient Sanskrit scriptures GOD is referred to as tat (Sanskrit for IT, not He)...meaning God’s gender is undefined for our ancients, ( so it could be a woman we are talking about). The concept of Ardhnareeshwar as that of the Creator (half man, half woman) is supposed to be unique to Indian mythology.

New rights for transexual people
by Citizens Advice Bureuax

Good news for the British. From 2005, transsexual people can be legally recognised in their acquired gender. Under a new law, called The Gender Recognition Act 2004, transsexual people will be able to apply to the Gender Recognition Panel for a gender recognition certificate.

Good News for Swiss Gay People
by LKS Research

In German: Die SchweizerInnen habens geschaftt! The Swiss have made it! Lesbians, Homosexuals and Transgender can marry. Austria and countless other countries are still discriminating against gay people.

The British Civil Partnership Act 2004
by Women and Equality Unit

The Act creates a new legal relationship of civil partnership, which two people of the same-sex can form by signing a registration document. It also provides same-sex couples who form a civil partnership with parity of treatment in a wide range of legal matters with those opposite-sex couples who enter into a civil marriage.