Trans people celebrate art at Chennai Kalai Theru Vizha

The programme was co- organised by LGBTQ NGOs Nirangal and Kattiyakari. “Our intention is to subvert ideas and spaces through art. We wanted to celebrate the different forms of art and we wanted to bring in the queer community into it. To be frank, even we did not know what the community’s art constituted of in the beginning, and we learned from the artists,” said TM Krishna a volunteer.

The hall saw an art installation by poet Kalki Subramaniam titled, ‘The Red Wall Project’, which chronicles cases of sexual assault against transgender people across the nation. “Along with my team, we spoke to more than 100 trans people. We must speak of these issues, because only then, we can share the horror that comes with it. As trans people, it is harder to talk about assault and have our concerns be addressed seriously. Most feel that since many of us do sex work, we are making it all up,” said Subramaniam.

On stage, author R Revathy performed, ‘Vellai Mozhi’, a one-woman stage adaptation of her autobiography, ‘Unarvum Uruvamum’ which translates to ‘The Truth About Me’. The play ended with a strong message from the actor who called for the recognition of transmen and their hardships in equal capacity to transwomen.

“It has been 30 years since I saw queer people have a space in a mainstream hall. Theatre is a means of self-expression. By coming on stage and showing her body, Revathi is showing that she is proud of who she is, and it is setting a precedent for the future,” said A Mangai, director of the play.

The night ended with a record dance performance by Tara Thirunangai Nadana Kuzhi and a panel discussion.