In a reflection of changing times, transgenders popularly known as kinnars, have shed their sarees and bangles to don khaki uniform and protect the civilians and uphold law of the land.
Chhattisgarh police recruited 13 transgenders as constables, a first for the state police force.

Two transgenders were placed on the waiting list as the list was released on Tuesday. Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel took to Twitter to congratulate them, "The results for police constable recruitment exams are out and 13 members of third gender community have been selected as constables while two of them are on the waiting list. I congratulate all the selected aspirants and extend best wishes to all of them.

Director general of police of the state DM Awasthi to have congratulated the new recruits. Senior police officials said that Chhattisgarh is the first state to have recruited TGs in such numbers.

TOI had reported in May 2018 that ten TGs (transgenders) had cleared physical fitness test in the women`s category after the Chhattisgarh government had then decided to recruit them to the police force.

On cloud nine after seeing the merit list, an elated Naina Sori, 25, says it has been tough for her on the streets, begging and facing molestation regularly. “I had dreamt of doing something substantial in life, but also felt undeserving at the same time because of the way I was treated in the society. I have a higher secondary pass but never managed to get a decent job for myself because I wasn`t accepted by society. People would glance at me as I belonged to some other planet.”

Now, I am sure things are changing and I have earned this position with hard work and dedication," said Naina. Facing molestation is a routine thing for a transgender and I would work towards preventing it in society once I get posted, she said.
Another TG Akshara Mandal, 25, from Ambikapur said that she had never gone to school nor played on the ground, but the rigorous practice sessions at Police Line instilled so much confidence in her that she feels she can conquer the world.
"I managed to overcome my fears by getting selected in the police force. When people stared at me questioningly, it was my friends and supporters who stood by me and they would accompany me on the ground to run with me.”

“Gradually, everyone became friendly,"Akshara said. It`s been more than 8-9 years since she has left her home to live on her own and earned her livelihood by working as domestic help and collecting money at marriage events. “It hasn`t been an easy journey as people often mistreat us.” Akshara hopes to get the respect she deserves.

Vidya Rajput, the chief of the transgender community in Chhattisgarh said, "Struggles of several years have yielded results for the members of the community and a new way of livelihood has opened for them giving them an option to join the mainstream society.

As soon as we realize who we are, either we are forced to leave homes or are abandoned by the family.

Years of talks with the government for rehabilitation and employment of TGs has started showing results.
The change will begin now, Vidya, said adding, “it`s time for TGs to walk ahead from ‘bhiksha and badhai` (begging and congratulating) to don uniform and protect the people.

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