Transgender Woman Inspires Community

Transgender woman in India’s Bangalore contests local election, inspires her community to fight for their rights Christy Raj, a transgender himself, tells us about Veena S – the first member of his community in Bangalore who entered the poll fray this year. Veena – a male to female transgender and a Dalit, contested the election of Bangalore municipality this March’ 2010. Though she did not win, her move has inspired the entire community to stand up and claim their rights that have been denied for long. In February 2010 the election commission of India - the apex body that conducts the elections in the country – allowed intersex and transsexuals the right to register as voters. Following this Veena decided to contest in the local election. She was supported by her community members and NGOs in Bangalore working for the rights of sexual minority. Born into a poor family, Veena grew up in a slum and experienced all the hardships that the transgender community members in India face: Deprivation of civic rights such as claiming employment and health benefits, right to marry and own a passport or a driving license. Worst still, she couldn’t claim the benefits of the public distribution system (PDS) that allows Indian citizens to buy essential items such as rice or cooking gas at subsidized prices. Since she is also a Dalit, she also faced caste discrimination which added to her sufferings. Veena has been fighting against this denial of rights, as well as the rights of However, despite the difficulties , she has managed to is a hijra, a transsexual woman women, Dalits, and sex workers, which led to her selection as a candidate According to Christy Raj, Veena’s participation has been a symbolic breakthrough for her community. It has inspired the entire community to claim the rights that they have been denied for long, says Christy who neither has a ration card himself, nor a passport. Christy feels that though Veena lost this election, from now on there will be regular This is merely a sign of change on the paper. With support from non-governmental organisations and platforms, transgender people are organising to demand jobs, protection and entitlements. “Till today we have only been perceived as beggars, sex workers and troublemakers. Now, Veena’s decision to contest the election has sent the message that we transgenders can also play the role of leadership.’ says Christy.

• Category

  News and Politics

• Release Date

  Sep 17, 2010

• Runtime

  02:28