To end the stigma

They never wanted to be different, but the society always sidelined the transgender community. After living in the brink, they realised that it can’t go on forever and decided to fight for their rightful place in the society. Thus, after years of struggles, finally, Kerala’s conservative society is showing signs of accepting them.   According to a 2015 survey by the department of Social Justice, there are 25,000 transgenders in the state. Once, completely isolated by the society — socially, economically and politically —  the situation is finally changing.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the state has come out with a transgender policy envisaging to end the societal stigma towards the sexual minority group and to ensure them non-discriminatory treatment. Taking into account the 2014 Supreme Court judgment, the policy ensures transgenders equal access to social and economic opportunities, resources and services, right to equal treatment under the law, right to live life without violence and equitable right in all decision-making bodies.

In a move to acknowledge the change in policy landscape, some educational institutions and the government bodies have recently assured them educational and professional opportunities. As part of its inclusive education policy, Sacred Heart College, Thevara in Kochi has opened its doors to the transgender community. College principal Fr. Prashanth Palackappillil says, “No meritorious transgender student will be denied admission. We will not create a separate category for them. We are confident that our students will accept them.”

In a special move, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. has announced job opportunities for the marginalised group. Reshmi C.R., head of corporate communications at KMRL, says, “When the stations become operational, we will employ for transgenders along with Kudumbashree units. They will be given jobs on customer care, crowd management and housekeeping sections, but they won’t be directly employed with the KMRL. Through this initiative we hope to spread the word that transgenders need not be sidelined and they also deserve respectable jobs. As per the policy of Metro, we will select them based on regular qualifying tests.”

But even when such moves are taken by the government agencies, the society is still wary of giving jobs to transgenders, say activists. Honey Varghese,  a qualified professional makeup artist, says she has not been able to find a job because she is a transgender. “All students in my batch have been assured of placements except me though my score in the examination was really good,” she says. “I also have completed a course in hotel management. While all others are getting chances, I do not get one.”

Jijo Kuriakose, founder member of LGBT community Queerala says, “There is no point in making announcements if it can’t be put into practice. Last year’s survey says that 90 per cent of transgenders are either dropouts or have no higher education. If the professional institutes reject them based on their lack of qualification, they will still be unaccepted in society. Most transgender students do not realise their gender identity during schooldays. Even if we look into contemporary scenario of Kerala, the professional society should take initiatives to accept them.”

Sheetal Shyam, a prominent transgender activist, says that moves taken by social institutions will uplift their status. “First of all, transgenders should be seen as humans. Every social benefits given to males and females should be made available to transgenders as well. Not many have a proper livelihood or proper education as they are marginalised by society and their families. So when the government proposes free education for the trans community, that itself is acceptance for them. “So far in Kerala, transgenders have hidden their identity due to fear of rejection. Society may take time to allow more transgenders in the visible spheres of the society, but such moves will definitely uplift their status,”  Sheetal opines.