Position Statement on Transgender Persons
The Indian Psychiatric Society, representing over 11,000 psychiatrists across India, expresses concern regarding the 2026 amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
While the intent to streamline regulations is acknowledged, provisions mandating medical verification of gender identity—particularly for non-binary individuals—are ethically problematic. Such measures undermine the principle of self-identification and violate the constitutional guarantees of dignity and autonomy affirmed in the NALSA v. Union of India (2014).
Medical certification of gender identity risks pathologising a natural aspect of human identity and may adversely impact mental health by increasing stigma and barriers to care.
The Society firmly reiterates that gender identity is self-determined and does not require medical validation. Any regulatory framework must uphold this autonomy while ensuring access to ethical and evidence-based care where needed.
Dr. T.S.S. Rao
President,
Indian Psychiatric Society
Concept Note prepared by Dr Amrit Pattojoshi
Dated: 17th May 2026
