Transgenders do not have an identity on their own except the term ‘transgender’. The discrimination and humiliation they face in the society cannot be described.

Though things are changing slowly thanks to the media and several laws, transgenders go through a harrowing experience wherever they go – be it educational institutions, hospitals or work places.

“They are the most abandoned, stigmatised and sidelined category of our society,” says Kalki Subramaniam, activist, actor, artist and author. “When they come out they face so many difficulties in every field – from education to employment to health services. Unfortunately even their kin do not support them.

Thanks to the media, things are slowly changing. The media should not stop with this. It should focus more on their education, social acceptance.”

“I have plans to conduct an art exhibition. For this I will be visiting various colleges and educational institutions all over the State, identify student artists, who can produce an art work that would highlight the trauma transgenders go through. The art pieces should send a powerful message to the society and should be a catalyst to bring about the change in people’s approach towards transgenders,” Kalki told Covai Post.

“The only solution to the problems they face is education and employment. They need to have a good education and respectable job that would make them independent and feel safe. Kochi Metro needs to be appreciated for appointing 23 transgenders,” Kalki added.

“They are part of our society. We should give equal status to them,” says Unni Krishnan K, social worker.