We have moral rights to lead a life like anyone: Transgenders

Thiruvananthapuram: Shalu R is proud to be part of the transgender community. Hailing from Wayanad, Shalu has no other option but to leave her hometown and seek shelter in Bangalore to lead a happy life. “Kerala neglects us ruthlessly and people mock at us.

I even attempted suicide. After my family deserted me and refused to accept me as a transgender, I was forced to leave the state.  Here people belonging to our community don’t dress up like women fearing society.

I always dress up like a woman. In Bangalore, the public treats us like gods. They respect and accept us,” says Shalu, who came to take part in the Transgender Festival organised by Pehchan – an NGO based in Bangalore – jointly with Kerala State AIDS Control Society here on Tuesday.

Raising her voice against the anti-democratic ruling of the SC which clearly denies constitutional protection to transgender, hundreds of transgenders like Shalu gathered in the state capital to register a protest. “I cannot end my life just because I am a transgender. We are often sidelined as a sexual minority, which is totally unacceptable.

Our sexuality is being questioned and we are often treated as sex workers. We are also human beings like everyone and have equal rights to lead a normal life like anyone in this country. There are 30 lakh transgenders in the country and the government should take steps to protect our rights.

I want all transgenders without hiding their identities to claim their rights,” said Surya, another transgender. Ace journalist B R P Bhaskar and District Medical officer K M Shirabudheen took part in the event and extended solidarity to the protest.