Transpersons seek amendments in Bill

The community leaders said the bill criminalises begging, a source of livelihood for a majority of transgender persons. Grace Bhanu, a first year engineering student and an organiser of the protest, said the problem begins with the definition. According to the draft, a transgender person is one who is (a) neither wholly female nor wholly male or (b) a combination of female or male or (c) neither female not male. 

“The definition itself perpetuates stereotypes. What about the persons who identify outside these genders?” queried the student, who also added that the criminalisation of enticing a transgender in the act of begging ignored the ground realities of the community. “Transgender persons, in Tamil Nadu, are invited during auspicious occasions to bless the household and are given money. In addition, a majority beg to make a living. Criminalising this will hurt the community,” added Bhanu. 

Aruna K, Community Advisor for grassroots level leaders, said community leaders from 36 districts in Tamil Nadu as well as from Puducherry demanded for amendments in the bill. “The bill has not considered the plight of the community. There has been no reservation for employment or education provided for the community. The new bill makes it criminal if a new person joins our community, without parental consent. People join us as they have been largely ignored or ostracised by their parents and community. We welcome them and provide support. This bill needs to be amended to aid our community,” said the activist.