Chennai: There will not be any beggars or sex workers from the transgender community if they are accepted and supported by their parents, and there won’t be any need for transgender associations at all, said Kalki Subramaniyam, founder of Sahodari Foundation.
At a panel discussion on ‘Human Rights of Sexual Minoroties’ got up at the US consulate here to mark Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender pride month here last night Kalki also said Indian transgenders suffer as much as the US-Afro suffered discrimination centuries ago.
Well known writer Salma said the transgeners in Tamil Nadu had been suffering oppression. But now there was a chance for change in this attitude. They were isolated and vulnerable to atrocities like molestation, whether they were educated or not.
Political Counsellor of US Consulate Mathew Ben, who appreciated Indian and US struggle against violation of human rights, said both the countries must take the struggle forward for the dignity of the LGBT members.
Mr Ben also obseved that the lesbian and gay members were pressured to hide from their friends about their preferences and also fall into bad habits like alcoholism.
Appreciating the initiative of the former Tamil Nadu government to give a separate identity for the transgender members, Director of Social Welfare Directoare, Ms Jayalaksmi said various schemes like medical and housing facilities to transgender community.
“Apart from the identity cards that are given to them they are also provided with ration cards, health insurances and embroidery machines for them to make a living” she said.
“Circulars were sent to many government hospitals to extend special care to them”, she added.
Sharing her experience at the International Visitor Leadership Programme in the United States, Ms Kalki, a transgender highlighted the abuses the transgenders face in India.
She said the reason that she was able to mark herself in the society was because of the love and support that she got from her parents, after she found herself not to be a man.
“The only thing that any of the LGBT members need is the love and support from their family and friends for the people who are unable to bear the discrimination”, she said.
The Osca award winning film on trangender rights “Boys don’t cry”, was also screened on the occasion. (UNI)
