The announcement by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to provide a monthly pension of `1,000 to transgenders aged more than 40 years on Wednesday was welcomed by the community.
The decision will benefit transgenders who are members of the Tamil Nadu Transgenders Welfare Board. A long-standing demand has come to a fruition, we totally welcome this move, acknowledged Noori, a former member of the Transgender Welfare Board and Secretary, Tamil Nadu Aravani Rights Association. Noori, who has been an advocate for transgenders’ rights for 25 years, said, “We need a permanent address just like anyone else.
Since seeking accommodation for us is a problem, we will ask the government to provide us with group houses.”
Another heart-felt plea from the community to the government is to create livelihood opportunities for them.
Priya Babu (writer and transgender activist):
The CM’s announcement is heart-warming. I hope this will dispel misconceptions about us in society. Three months ago, leaders and members of the transgender community had presented a 10-point agenda to Social Welfare Minister Valarmathi, in which the demand for pension was primary. The government could distribute land to the transgenders to construct houses under Centrally-sponsored schemes such as the Indira Awas Yojana.
Jeeva (founder and managing trustee, Transgenders Rights Association):
This pension will be a boon to ageing transgenders as their ability to do work after corrective surgery goes downhill.”
Shangari (programme officer, Nirangal, an NGO for transgender rights):
The measure is much-needed. It acknowledges the lack of employment opportunities for transgenders. It also underlines that they get little support from their families and friends.
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