Transgender Community Now Has Their Very Own Night Shelter In Chennai

In a country where laws like Section 377 exist, there is little hope for the rainbow flag to legally unfurl any time soon. Many Indians still remain undeterred by the law, and have come to recognise the LGBTQ community as part of the Indian society. Awareness is increasing with each day, and the recent gay pride parade in Bhopal is a sign of that. At the end of a lane in Chennai, lies a little bit more of that much needed hope—the city’s first night shelter for transgenders.

Opened about a month and a half ago by the Chennai Corporation, it is run by the NGO SIP Memorial Trust. Housing 25 residents from different states across the country, the shelter is a welfare-to-work initiative. It provides shelter to transgenders without an accommodation, where they receive vocational training to help them get jobs and make their own living. Among a range of courses, some of the ones offered include beautician courses, fashion design and embroidery.

One of the prominent issues faced by the residents is rejection by their family. P. Sumithra, B.Tech graduate, last saw her family at her brother’s wedding. “I had to dress as a man to take part in the function,” she said, adding that landlords charged them with higher rates, which they were often unable to pay due to lack of steady jobs.

Anjali, a 21-year-old on dialysis twice a week, was rejected by her family and only came to the shelter a week ago.

“They can stay here for four months, until they are back on their feet. We are helping with their rehabilitation and with employment opportunities,” said N. Manoj, a social worker with the NGO that runs the shelter.Some came to know about the Chetpet shelter through word-of-mouth and took residence there.

Two meals are sponsored by chariable organisations while dinners at the shelter are arranged for by the Corporation. The building lacks a compound wall and anti-socials often drink and create a ruckus around the building, even going as far as demanding the construction of a wall. Metrowater facility doesn’t reach them either. “Some of our residents work as cooks and security guards. We need the Corporation to provide these basic amenities. We worked for five years to get this home opened by the Corporation — there was a huge need for it, but it took a while. Also, this building can only house 25 residents. We had wanted one with space for 50,” said Jaya Devi, trustee of SIP Memorial Trust.

This is a much needed initiative because the financial independence the shelter attempts to achieve will help transgenders earn respect in the society. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done, but as Aristotle said, “Well begun is half done.”

Feature Image Source: The Hindu