KANNUR: The Kannur district panchayat will conduct an exclusive cultural festival for transgenders on the lines of Keraloltsavam, the youth festival held at the three-tier panchayat level by the state government. However, the fest will not be based on competition. The decision was taken based on the promises made by the LDF in the election manifesto during the civic polls.
The district panchayat had earlier allocated funds for the welfare programmes of transgenders. Nearly 400 transgenders have been registered in Kannur. However the actual number would be much higher, according to officials. District panchayat vice-president P.P. Divya said that it will develop a comprehensive project by next week to get the approval.
“The project will be developed after consultation with the representatives of transgenders. We have also allocated funds for shelter homes for transgenders and skill development programme for them,” she said.
“There are many transgenders who are confined to their houses and many of them are facing torture mentally and physically. Our aim is to make them realize we are caring for them and that they are also part of society. Such projects will help them to come out and explore the world,” she added. The district panchayat has also launched women-friendly toilets in 30 institutions, including schools and hospitals in the district.
