Many initiatives have been launched to bring the transgender community into the mainstream. But due to actions of some anti-social elements who assume their identity to perpetuate crime, the stigma against them gains strength
KOCHI: One step forward and two steps back - fate is making the transgender community dance a terrible tango. Even though many initiatives have been launched to bring the community into the mainstream, thanks to the actions of some anti-social elements who assume their identity to perpetuate crime, the stigma against transgenders gains strength.
In the past three months, many crimes allegedly committed by the transgenders were reported in the city. However, it has come to light that in half of these cases the perpetrators were not actually the ‘transgenders’.“Many cases have been registered in the past few months. However, not all we apprehend from the group are transgenders. Some criminals are using the community as a cover to commit crimes,” said an officer with the Ernakulam Central Police Station.
The transgender community expressed their ire at being used to commit vile crimes. “It is appalling. The activities of such fraudulent people have adversely affected the efforts of the activists who have been working to uplift the community,” says Sheetal Shyam, a transgender activist.“These anti-social elements have infiltrated our community and by the time we realise their real identity it is too late to stop their nefarious agendas. However, it is heartening to know that the Social Justice Department is taking steps to ensure such blatant exploitation does not happen,” she added.
However, it doesn’t mean none of the members of the community are involved in criminal activities. “Many of them have been thrown out of the society. They are gawked at and spat upon. They have become used to the life of rejects. We can’t help them all in one go. It takes time. We are slowly rounding them all up and helping them. I personally think in Kochi, transgenders are slowly making progress,” she said.
According to Sheetal, the community has reported many such criminal activities to the police. “We are mobilising the community to put an end to the exploitation of our identity. Such activities are undermining the efforts taken by all those supporting our cause,” she added.
Gaining recognition
The transgender community in the state is slowly entering nearly all sectors. From becoming judges, lawyers and journalists to models, many have fought the odds that society threw at them and are now enjoying their careers.Moreover, the advancements made in technology and medical fields allow the transgender community to live a better life. This gives them a new hope. The introduction of transgender clinics in both government and private sector has gone a long way in helping them.
Not all are lucky
However, not everyone in the community gets an opportunity to study. “There are transgenders who are born with both male and female organs and then there are those who go through gender identity crisis. They go through a lot of emotional turmoil even before they step out into the society and face ridicule. They develop a kind of resistance and are always on the guard. Providing them with a good living condition while growing up is very important. There is still a long way to go in achieving an equal status for them,” said Dr Elsie Oomen, psychiatrist.
Miles to go before equality is achieved
Kerala prides itself, rightfully so, after transgenders were employed in the most prestigious project of the state, the Metro Rail. Some quit the job after they failed to get an accommodation. However, there are many still working with Metro.
Rakesh (name changed), who commutes daily on the Metro, made quite an interesting observation. “They are thorough professionals. And the way they handle the passengers shows their attitude towards work. As result, the passengers too behave accordingly. Once I saw a boy flinch away from one of the transgender staff. The staff did not bat an eyelid and went on with assisting the boy. Many of us were watching. The situation could have turned awkward,” Rakesh says.
“However, sheer professionalism and training helped. Not many commuters frown at them or behave inappropriately,” he adds.He also recalls an incident when he boarded a local bus. “A group of transgenders boarded the bus and suddenly the atmosphere became very tense. Some could be seen looking uncomfortable. Some laughed and smirked. It was shocking to see the conductors making fun of them,” he said.