more-in RAMANATHAPURAM They have been largely freed from police aggression and sexual assaults by thugs, but life is still tough for the 60-odd transgenders of Thirunangaigal Colony on the outskirts of Paramakudi in the district. Though Social Welfare department offered skill development and entrepreneurship training programmes, a majority of them prefer ‘kada vasool’ (collection of money from shops) to eke out a living. Reports on India’s first transgender sub-inspector of police, lawyer and college principal inspired them, especially school and college dropouts, to pursue their studies, but they still continue the old lifestyle, though the government helped them pursue higher studies. They took pride when Satyashri Sharmila, a native of Paramakudi, became the first transgender lawyer in the State. A few even showed interest in pursuing their studies but there was just not enough support, said Abisha, college mate of Satyashri and a BBA graduate, who lives in the colony. “Satyashri, who graduated in Paramakudi before moving to Salem to pursue law, is still in touch with us,” she said. As they realised the importance of education and were aware of employment opportunities available in police and other government establishments, the ‘elders’ in the colony encouraged the young transgenders to complete their studies, when they came to join them, she said. “We send them back, asking them to complete their studies. But many of them settle in other colonies,” said Abisha. They were forced to seek alms at shops and go for other odd jobs, she said. While some transgenders go for collection in trains, others go for ‘kada vasool’ and a few for dancing at temple festivals. “There is a change in society and people have started respecting us, but discrimination still persists,” rued Abisha. Their biggest regret is that they could never rejoin their families. “Why not, we are also human beings,” said Ragasiya when asked whether they yearned to rejoin their families. Only very few were lucky to be accepted by their families, she said. The newcomers in the colony opted for sex reassignment surgery (SRS) to affirm the gender, said Abisha. After they settled in the colony, they immediately started saving money for the surgery, which cost about ? 60,000, including aftercare, she added. The government offered skill development training and financial support to two groups for self-employment but the transgenders showed little interest, said S. Gunasekari, District Social Welfare Officer. “As the SRS is their top priority, most of them go out for ‘kada vasool’ to raise money,” she said, adding with the present generation showing interest in studies, things might change in future. The government offered a monthly pension of ? 1,000 to those above 40 years of age, she said.

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