THRISSUR: A discussion organized by Wisdom Islamic Students Organization for a section of medical students of Thrissur government medical college has triggered debate as it had made reportedly girls and boys sit separately with a white curtain placed in between. Interestingly, the discussion topic was 'LGBTQIA+Behind the Rainbow Flags, understanding LGBTQIA from an Islamic perspective'.
Dr Abdulla Basil and Dr Suhel Rashid, who are associated with the Wisdom Islamic Students Organization, and also the leaders of the social media group 'Unmasking Atheism' were the faculties for the discussion.
Initially, there were reports that the programme was held on the medical college campus. Later, the organizers clarified that the programme was held at a religious place, outside the campus and ruled out any involvement of the the college students' union or the college authorities. However, the event was meant for the medical college students.
"Neither the students nor the organizers questioned the need of such a separation at a discussion on gender issues, and that is quite surprising," said Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad activist Sathyanathan. The organizers said there was nothing morally or ethically wrong in keeping a curtain to separate girls and boys.
