Transgender activist, artist and actor Kalki Subramaniam yesterday donated the funds collected through the sale of her paintings to four underprivileged transgenders at an event that took place at Art Houz, Jenneys Residency.

Black was the dress code for the evening. Many philanthropists, NGO members, transgender activists from Chennai and media people showed their support by turning up dressed in black.

Kalki said, “Family acceptance is very important for transgender people. Being rejected destroys their lives leading to begging and going into sex work. For those who want to resurrect their lives education is the only hope. I want to support them personally because today I am successful due to my parents’ acceptance and the education they gave me which has transformed my life. I want such an opportunity to be given to everyone.”

Maitreyi, Kotravai, Lalitha and Anu were the ones who benefitted from Kalki’s donation which will go towards their education.

Kalki was happy that her mother was present for the event and she also addressed the gathering and said, “Parents play an important role in uplifting the confidence of such kids by supporting and loving them.”

A candlelight vigil was observed in the memory of all those transgender people whose lives ended because of violence and rejection.