Sat Sep 06 17:18:24 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, summarizing the key information and presenting it in a journalistic style:

**The Hindu: Seven Years After Decriminalization, LGBTQ+ Activists Say True Equality Remains Elusive for Many in India**

**Bengaluru, September 6, 2025:** Despite the landmark Supreme Court decision decriminalizing parts of Section 377 seven years ago, members and activists from the Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM) community say real change has yet to reach the most vulnerable populations, particularly those in rural areas and Tier 2 cities.

These concerns were raised at a conclave titled, “From Criminals to Citizens: What has changed in the lives of Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM) in the past seven years?” held in Bengaluru on Saturday. Attendees expressed frustration over the government’s perceived inaction in raising awareness and implementing policies to support the LGBTQ+ community.

“Even after seven years, the government has not taken any initiative to organize awareness programs regarding the Supreme Court Judgment on Section 377,” said Manohar Elavarthi, founder and executive director of Sangama, an NGO. “While this judgment has brought some changes in the lives of the wealthy and educated people in cities, it is unfortunate that it has not made any difference in the lives of the majority of community members, particularly the poor and rural people.”

Activists emphasized the ongoing struggles faced by the community, including lack of workplace dignity, police abuse, and societal stigma, especially in smaller cities and rural regions.

“It has been 8 years since the apex court decriminalised homosexuality, but the true freedom is far from sight on the ground with the absence of workplace dignity and abuse from police authorities even today,” said Yuvraj, a GSM activist who identifies as bisexual.

Manjunath, a GSM activist from Hassan, added that “Tier 2 cities face a lot more criticism and are falsely accused if brought under authoritative attention, but people still haven’t made attempts at going public in primitive regions”.

Elavarthi stated that they would continue to put pressure on the government to fulfill its responsibilities, ensure an environment where families can accept them, and pursue legal struggles to end the ongoing violence by the police.

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