This is in reference to the article ‘Gay & happy people’ that was published on December 3, 2017. The report, though covered all aspects of the LGBT issue, had some glaring technical mistakes which I would like point out. First, the headline is a mismatch. The terms gay and transgender are not synonymous. While gays and lesbians can be categorised as gays, transgender, trans-man and trans-woman cannot be pushed under the same category. To laymen, the terms might seem interchangeable. But it is the responsibility of the far-reaching media to clear the misconceptions and educate people with correct information. Lack of awareness is a major reason behind the society’s discrimination against the LGBT community. It is hence the responsibility of the media as well as other stakeholders to impart right knowledge for better understanding of the subject.
Second, a trans-man is always referred to as ‘he’ and not ‘she’. The reporters should have been more careful because the LGBT issue is a sensitive one. When the reporters were talking about the entire community then they should have been more careful about the minute facts. I would request the newspaper to do the necessary corrections on its website so that readers are not misinformed about the issue.
Thanking you
Lucky Neog, Assam
To Sunday Shillong,
This is in reference to the article ‘Dancing stars of Meghalaya’ that was published on January 14. It is really a proud moment for the state that two of our young artistes have made their way to the national stage. The state has many talents in creative field, especially western dance and music. But it is sad that more local dancers and musicians are getting disillusioned by the day due to several reasons, one being government apathy. As rightly suggested by one dancer, the government, which organises so many festivals, can add one more to the list. At the end of the day, it will be our children who will make a name outside and bring fame to the state.
Thanking you
TV Lyngdoh Nonglait
To Sunday Shillong,
This is in reference to the article ‘Coffee Homeground’ which was published on December 17, 2017. It was an interesting write-up that focused on the comparatively new business potential. However, not much was written about coffee entrepreneurs in Garo Hills. At a recently held trade fair in the city, a coffee entrepreneur from Garo Hills participated. The man, WD Shira, sells his coffee under the brand name A’chik Coffee. A five-minute conversation with him revealed that Shira got positive response from a few buyers at the fair and he wanted to market the product in Shillong. If Sunday Shillong can do an article focusing on coffee growers in Garo Hills, it will help these small businessmen to expand their sales to Shillong as well as other parts of the North East.
Thanking you
PN Sangma