When Bangalorean Akkai Padmashali got a driving licence on June 26 this year, she was elated. Not just because she would be able to drive a scooter but because, she claims, she is the first member of the transgender community to have got a driving licence after the Supreme Court judgment this year recognising the third gender.
Ms. Padmashali, member, Sexual Minorities Forum, said she checkmarked ‘female’ in the box for gender in the application form, which had three boxes to choose from: male, female and transgender.
She said, “The Supreme Court judgment is a blessing. It protects me. Here, I decided my gender.”
For 15 years, she did not get a driving licence as she dreaded filling the application form which would ask for her gender. She did not go ahead to apply for a licence though her father kept telling her he could help her.
Now, three other members of the community, following her instance, are conquering their fears and getting licences.
Sana, a member of the transgender community, said that she had applied after being inspired by Akkai’s success. Ms. Padmashali said while transgenders have got licences before the SC ruling, she is the first to have got it post the ruling.
The procedure to get the licence was in contrast to the time when she had applied for a passport, where she had to answer a barrage of questions about her gender.
The Supreme Court in its judgment issued in April 2014 stated: “Self-determination of gender is an integral part of personal autonomy and self-expression and falls within the realm of personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.”
She has a word of appreciation for the official at Yeshwanthpur Regional Transport Office (RTO) who issued the licence. She said he was considerate and treated her with respect.
