IT was a moment of shame and deep embarrassment for Gouri Bhadra, a 27-year-old transgender woman, who was forced to explain to the authorities why she could not wear the uniform tailored for men. It eroded her self-worth, she recollects. Bhadra works at the Kochi Metro in the ticketing section along with nine other transwomen. Kochi Metro earlier drew nationwide attention and applause when it appointed 23 transpersons based on their qualifications. However, a majority of them quit their jobs, unable to deal with multiple forms of discrimination.
"We were instructed to wear pants and shirts, similar to what men wear. We felt extremely uncomfortable complying with this directive," says Bhadra. Kochi Metro authorities rejected their plea to allow them to wear salwar or churidar along with an overcoat. Bhadra found herself having to stand in front of a group of men, explaining why their bodies did not conform to the expectations of men's clothing. "We would look like cis men in such attire, and we don't want to appear like that," Bhadra emphasises. "When I expressed that my body does not fit into a man's costume, I received a very insensitive piece of advice. I was told to schedule a date for sex reassignment surgery and provide the necessary documentation. Whether to undergo the surgery or not is one's choice. There are several members in the community who do not wish to undergo the surgery. The non-binary, non-conformist people should be able to live a life as per their choice." Bhadra, with the help of other members of the transgender community, took up the matter with the state's minister for social justice, R Bindu, to resolve the issue. "The minister took a decision favourable to us," says Bhadra.
Denne historien er fra March 21, 2024-utgaven av Outlook.
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Denne historien er fra March 21, 2024-utgaven av Outlook.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The 'Invisible' Dalits
The debate over sub-categorisation of castes is likely to shape the political discourse in the upcoming state elections
Caste Census: To Conquer Or Conserve?
The caste census is generating heated debate, but even its most ardent proponents are not able to articulate a plan about how to use the resulting data
THE FATEFUL COMEDY
Actor-director Rajat Kapoor talks about adapting Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov into a Hindi play
Mad Hatter
When a leader takes off his topi and holds it in his hands while appealing for votes, it signals something extraordinary
Circle Within Circles
The caste question in Muslims.
Backward March
The Maratha reservation question may continue to mire the next government in the state
The 69% Exception
Quota within quota: lessons to be learned from Tamil Nadu
United Indifference
The perils of tweaking tribal identities
Two Nations, Two Destinies
The widely differing balance of power between the military and civilian leadership in India and Pakistan has significantly impacted democracy in the two countries
Crème de la Crème
The mainstream society thinks reservations are against right to equality. It’s high time they are seen in the context of right to justice.
