A modern unisex salon and gym, where transgenders can also join the mainstream, was opened here in Coimbatore today.

Claimed to be the first time in India, the director of Luxx Spa and Salon, J. Shivaprakash said that he has taken the initiative to bring awareness about transgenders among the public. “At a time when the society shuns and marginalizes them (the transgenders), we are open to the members of the neutral sex because it is humanity, brave, and a brilliant idea. I’m trying to change hearts and minds,” he said.

The spa was inaugurated by ace Formula driver, Narain Karthikeyan, and Tamil film star, Dr. Sethuraman.

The spa has special luxury rooms exclusively for transgenders, Shivaprakash said.