My friend is a trans woman.

On her college campus, she did not have a washroom where she felt safe. So, she started holding her urine, avoided drinking enough water, and waited until she could get home.

Eventually, she developed a urinary tract infection.

No student should have to risk their health just to get through a college day.

For many queer and trans students, using a washroom can mean fear of being stared at, questioned, mocked, or harassed. Some avoid washrooms altogether. Others carry the daily stress of hiding who they are just to feel safe.

I have witnessed queer friends face bullying and exclusion. I have experienced isolation myself because of my sexuality.

College should be a place to learn and grow — not a place where we have to hide who we are.

Odisha Has Already Recognised This

In 2023, Odisha's Higher Education Department directed universities and degree colleges to take steps to protect gender-nonconforming students from bullying and harassment and provide gender-neutral facilities, including unisex toilets.

The policy and recognition exists. Now implementation must reach every campus.

Sign this petition if you believe no student should have to choose between their health, dignity, and identity.

We Ask the Odisha Higher Education Department To:

1. Ensure safe washroom access
   Provide functional gender-neutral/unisex facilities. Students must not be stopped, questioned, or harassed for using facilities consistent with their gender identity.
2. Create confidential grievance mechanisms
   Every institution should have a clear contact person, reporting channel, phone contact, and email. Complaints must be confidential, time-bound, and protected from retaliation.
3. Make LGBTQIA+ sensitisation regular
   Train students, faculty, administrative and hostel staff, and security personnel to prevent and respond to discrimination.
4. Strengthen anti-bullying protections
   Address homophobia, transphobia, harassment, and identity-based bullying through clear procedures and accountability.
5. Monitor implementation
   Track whether institutions actually have these facilities, protections, grievance mechanisms, and training — and make compliance publicly accountable.

From Recognition to Reality

Imagine a student who can walk onto campus without fear. A student who knows where to turn when something goes wrong. A student who can simply be themselves.

That campus is possible!

Sign this petition. Share it. 

Help make every campus in Odisha a place where every student can learn without fear!