Transgenders share experiences at open discussion

Transgenders share experiences at open discussion

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 25, 2012: Sharing their experiences at an open discussion program organized jointly by the DK Zilla Mahila Vedike of Mangalore and Bethany Service Centre of Bendoor on Saturday, members of Mangalore’s transgender community said that they want to work for a living and live with dignity instead of begging on the streets and other public places.

Ramya, one of them, said that she ran away from home unable to tolerate the way her family harassed her for being different. She complained of being looked down upon, abused, and assaulted.

 

Sandhya said that, although she managed to study till II PUC, she had to discontinue because of social pressures. Stating that transgenders are just as human as other human beings, she said that many of them want to undergo gender surgeries, which is very expensive.

When asked why transgenders touch people and nudge them while demanding money, she said that they do it to take revenge on the men who tease them, harass them, and play with their clothes. Ramya added that several men dress like transgenders and beg even though they do not belong to the transgender community.

Stating that there is no government agency or NGO to take care of their needs, she said that transgenders also want ration cards and identity cards.

Speaking on the occasion, Sr. Mariola, director of Jeevandhara Social Service Trust, said that under Mangalore City Corporation’s (MCC) poverty eradication program, there are provisions of night shelters for women and skill development and vocational training programs for them. The transgender community can take advantage of these benefits, she added. In response, Irene Rebello, skill development expert at District Urban Development Cell, said that, although the concept of night shelters is desirable, the other women in the night shelter should be willing to accept transgenders. She expressed her opinion that separate night shelters must be constructed for the transgender community and employment opportunities must be provided for them, where they can anonymously manufacture and market products.

M. B. Sadashiva, member of the Lions Club and president of the district unit of the JD(S), said that identity cards should be given to those who genuinely belong to the transgender community and urged NGOs to take steps regarding this issue.

Advocate Ivan D’Souza; Jayashree, head constable at Pandeshwar Women’s Police Station; Shubha B. S., superior of Bethany; U. S. Mohan Suvarna, journalist; Suresh Bhat Bakrabail, social activist; Choodamani of Mahila Vedike; and others were also present.