Summary:
A night shelter for transsexuals supported by the Chennai corporation, it is Shivani and Yazhini’s home away from home.“I come from a traditional Muslim family. She hopes to be a beautician in the future.“We inaugurated it last year; the idea was to have a night shelter for transsexuals as many of them are homeless. “Two more shelters are being constructed in other parts of the city,” he adds.Initially, the shelter was run by another NGO but after it ran into trouble, the night shelter was dysfunctional for a time. “We provide breakfast and lunch as well as snacks, which are funded by local donors,” says Kaavya, president, Thozhi.Saara Ali, 25, programme manager for the shelter, says shelter residents are taught yoga, garland making and other vocational skills. Some go to work in the morning but need a place to stay at night,” says city health officer Senthilnathan..