On the 14th of June, Indrani Chakraborty, mother to a trans kid wrote an open letter to the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswasaema. It was in response to the shaming and subsequent expulsion of her child, who had posted pictures of themself wearing a bathing suit on their private instagram account.
According to the letter that Indrani posted on her Instagram account, the picture in question was clicked at a family day at the pool, and was “a moment of innocent joy” that was twisted by the school’s authorities as something devious, ‘shameful” and “disgusting”, and so repulsive that it drove them to expel, and deny her ward the access to education.
Chakraborty wrote in her open letter: “The school, which should be a sanctuary for learning, became an arena of judgement. Her social media, her space for personal expression was scrutinised and slandered.”
It’s disheartening to watch any mother plead for something as basic as a fair chance at education. However, we see this happening time and again with those who are affirming and supportive of their queer children. It is worth noting that the comments under Indrani’s post were torn between defending the principal’s actions and supporting Chakraborty and her daughter.
K. Chanda, the principal of South Point School, Guwahati, which is the institution in question, when confronted by the parents on 11th June, told them that their child could continue in the school only if, “she deleted her social media account, left her community, and [complied with] ongoing counselling sessions [guided by] the school counsellor”, as reported in The Wire.
Going by this statement, it may be assumed that the principal is asking the parents to ensure regular counselling sessions facilitated by the school counsellor only. However, knowing the reality of mental health support in India, this may very well be conversion therapy in disguise.
She made it clear that the school has tried to support Indrani’s child through their transition after it was brought to their notice, but drew the line at “semi-nude” photos. But the pertinent question is how did the principal get access to the post?
Was it a student who shared it with a parent, and it started a chain reaction?
Let us clarify, the problem is not:
- A child, wearing bathing suit around her family
- A child, being trans
- A child, being supported by her parents
The problem, precisely and clearly, is:
A principal, and a group of parents who felt comfortable to comment, complain and police a minor’s body on their private instagram account that they do not have explicit access to. And then go on to decide for the parents and child about limiting their access to education.
How can an educator, like K Chanda, whose job is to protect all children equally, deny this fundamental right?
Last time I checked, to access education, all you needed was a pen, paper, and most importantly, a supportive teacher who facilitates it! K.Chanda isn’t the one cut out for this job though. As far as we presently know, none of the parents who complained about the post have come forward, nor any details on if any classmates have come forward in support of Chakraborty’s child and who initially raised this “concern”.
