If the states across India were to all have resumes, Kerala’s already shining one just got some major brownie points.
Aptly known as God’s own country, Kerala not only holds the highest literacy rate and female to male sex ratio in the country, but holds a Human Development Index rank of 45 with a government that follows a strict policy of social welfare (need we mention their absolutely ingenious Maze-Bar solution to the Supreme Court’s liquor ban). And if that’s not impressive enough, the state just held the country’s first ever transgender athletic meet, as a collaboration between the Sexual and Gender Minority Federation (SGMF), the Kerala State Sports Council and the state government.
The event was held in Thiruvananthapuram, the state’s capital, at the central stadium and was organised in order to reflect the state’s policies and standpoints on eradicating all social stigmas and discrimination practiced against transgender communities. 132 athletes from 14 different districts across the state participated in the sports meet and inclusivity was the motto of the day. While a majority of the athletes were transgender, as per reports, participants also comprised of transsexuals, transvestites and castrated men.
The event brought about fresh talent, and furthermore, provided these athletes with the full-fledged opportunity to participate and compete at a recognised level. When a community is repressed, so is a lot of talent, and that’s exactly what this meet chose to break. 100-400m dashes, relays, 100X4m long-jump and shot putts were some of the events featured in this meet. The meet was a major success, with around 200 people present in the crowds cheering the athletes on.
The President of the SGMF, Sreekutty, provided a statement promising that the subsequent meets would include more age-wise categories to include a larger range of participants. This week, Kerala has been kind enough to show the rest of the country how acceptance is really done, because they believe that no one is allowed to tell another not to run, jump or kick some ass.
You can find more images of the event on Queerala, and News Minute.