Transgenders celebrate RS bill giving them protection

COIMBATORE: A day after the Transgender Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, the transgender community in the city celebrated the occasion by remembering some members of the community who gave up their lives facing disrespect from the society. The transgender community came together in celebrating the historical move that will earn them respect and protect them from social abuses.
From interactions with people from different societal groups like students, professional and senior citizens to screening of short films, it was a memorable day for the transgender community. Some of them spoke about their experiences, and how they struggled to gain acceptance in society.
Kalki Subramaniam, a transgender activist said, “The Transgender Bill is a historic move that gives us a level of dignity in the society. We can now enjoy some rights. But the government should continue to work for the uplift of transgenders. There are many who are involved in begging and sex work. The situation is same in Coimbatore as well as southern districts of Tamil Nadu,” said Kalki.
Kalki said that the transgender community in the villages is yet to get any recognition or rights. “Those in the urban areas have got ration cards, voters’ id, and some other identity proofs. But hardly any benefit has reached the community living in villages,” said Kalki. She urged the state and the central governments to help them.
During the celebration, a documentary showcased the suicide of a transgender Sowmiya from Chennai who took the extreme step after being frustrated with the way the society looked at the community, betrayal and rejection by friends and loved ones. The documentary showed Sowmiya’s plight as a sex worker and begger
Sahodari Foundation run by Kalki Subramaniam tried to help Sowmiya out of depression. “We need parents, society, friends and the bigger society to accept us. The change in attitude has to start from school,” said Kalki.