Beautiful inside and out

Akilan was always different. By the age of 14, he started dressing up like a girl. Changed his name into Akila. It felt like just the right thing to do. When Akila’s parents found out, they threatened her; they hit her and finally kicked her out of the household. This is what happens to transgendered individuals in our society.

Imagine. You feel like an alien within your own body. You can’t embrace your physical self.  Imagine the struggle. And, add to that the following: Being disowned by your very own family, Rejected by the society, Forced into prostitution and begging for a living. That is the struggle transgendered folks face every single day. Our Government has acknowledged their struggle (to a certain extent) by introducing few initiatives (New ID cards & Access to sex change operation). They are trying to do their part. And there are NGO’s trying to do their part. And some families are becoming more accepting.

What have we done as individuals? Not much. We as a society have stereotypes about the transgendered community and we actively exclude them.  (Yeah, we all watched “Ippadiku Rose” with lots of sympathy, but that is not enough)

What can we do?

Step 1: RESPECT them as people. Ask them, how they would like to be addressed. The next time your friend makes fun of them, explain to your friend how hurtful and excluding those comments are.

Step 2: If you respect them as normal people, invite them to participate in everyday activities. How?

Organizing a college/office cultural event? Why should all your guests be from the Film/Music Industry? Invite a representative from the transgender community. Request them to speak about their experiences. Show the world that your college/office is an inclusive community. 

Part of a hiking group? Planning your next hike? Send a special invite to the transgendered community

Step 3: Go above and beyond – Dedicate a weekend to this task.  Find individuals from the transgendered community (Use links from below). Ask them if you could spend a day with them? If they are willing, follow them around. With their consent, document this experience. Blog it, Photograph it, whatever you feel like. And, don’t stop there. You just found a new friend, exchange greetings when possible. Invite them for coffee and introduce your new friend to your other friends. Because that is what friends do right?

Other steps

Own a small tailoring unit? A multi-million dollar IT company? If transgendered folks qualify for a position hire them! Don’t hesitate.

This is not easy. For most of us individuals from the transgendered community are strange and some of us will be uncomfortable even when they are around. Prove to yourself, that you are better than that.  Put your stereotypes down, challenge yourself to diversify your friendships and work towards an inclusive community. Your small act of kindness has the potential to change someone's world. I am having coffee with a very kind, successful working individual next week, who happens to be from the LGBTQ community.  What are you going to do?

Some (unverified) links that might help you get started !

http://www.arogyaagam.org/index.htm

http://www.ngoportal.org/ngo-database-1622-Transgender+Rights+Association.html

http://www.sahodari.org/contactsahodari.html