Declare April 15th as Transpersons day sought

Tirupati, 20 April 2017: Transgenders around one hundred and fifty, from across thirteen Districts of Andhra Pradesh participated in Transpersons day celebrations, at Arts Block Auditorium,Sri Venkateswara University Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. They discussed Transgender issues and Policies. District Superintendent of Police Mr. G. Srinivas,IPS and Dr.D.Usha Rani Dean and Director,Centre for women’s studies, gave the key note address and had a meaningful dialogue interaction with the members. The program was organized by Women’s Initiatives (WINS), VHS-MSA-DIVA, Senha Sangam Community Based Organisation in association with Centre For Women’s Studies (Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupati). Trans delegates sought the government authorities to declare April 15th as Transpersons day as  the judgement was given by National Legal AID services Authority of India (NALSA) in favour of them.

In the augural speech Dr.Usharani said, all human beings are born equal, but the attributes makes us different, but it should not lead to discrimination. She said “you are citizens like any other, donot ask for favours from the society / systems but ask for Justice. You should build a feminist movement, learning strategies, from feminists, to day our society listens only to Rights and Resistance, in as many forms, and the only way is to assert your rightful position and presence.  

“Transgender movement” has come a long way, and the only way to march forward is to find mechanisms to implement the Supreme Court guidelines in the State governments,and translate the directives into action. Now, that the thirteen district leaders representing their fellow members, are in the forefront, Anything less  than, forming commission/board  would mean compromising on dignity and rights of transgenders,said by R Meera, Director Women’s Initiatives (WINS).

Equality though enshrined in the Constitution,failed completely,in my case said Madhuri from Kurnool, I was denied admission when I approached authorities, with high scores in entrance exams, for postgraduate admission  because of my gender, and I wish such issues of rightsviolations and discrimination, gets the much needed attention like that of dalits students. She asserted that unless we as a“state body” go to the State capital Amaravathy (AP) and stake our claims, we will continue to suffer, she rued. She also added that if the society means mainstreaming, it should be only through the drafting of welfare policies and schemes, in consultation with our communities

Neeraja from Guntur District explained that there are some states like kerala,UP that has taken progressive steps, we need to understand the Action plans and their success in bringing about inclusive policies. if we donot act now, we will be seen only as vote bank to the Politicians. We should focus on our unified action.

Rachana from THITS, (Telengana Hijra Intersex Transgender Samiti) reminded the members about their Pride march ,(Swabhimana Yathra) every year a gathering of 2000 persons across social strata join to claim LGBTIQ rights and resistance to heteronormativity. The beauty of the show, is the voluntary involvement of, variety of people asserting freedom, diverse sexuality and autonomy. Participants are from many social movements such as dalits, farmers,sexworkers,students etc., All of them play a critical role in bringing about policy change.

 

SP Chittoor said “perceptions should change, and it leads to awareness, unless communities act up together they cannot foresee change. Fighting stigma, is by countering them head on and forming allies with the right people. There are opportunities for transgenders to become a part in community policing, which meant understanding the Policing and taking up the role of building the bridge between the Police and the public. 

A heart felt vote of thanks was given to the Director and staff Centre for women’s studies for offering to build capacities of the transpersons and Law Professor in helping to build knowledge systems about laws and policies in favour of the community.   

For details: R Meera, WINS, +919849204711 or 9866717712 Rachana Mudraboyina