They find it difficult to rent a house. If at all a house becomes available, the rent suddenly doubles. Getting employment is a struggle. There are hurdles aplenty in changing their name on certificates. This in turn affects their junior research fellowship and other educational assistance.
These are just some of the challenges and neglect listed by trans women at a programme organised by the Kerala Women’s Commission here on Friday.
On the innumerable hurdles around accommodation, the speakers pointed out that in Kochi, they were also asked to avoid guests. Even friends could not come to visit.
Gender column
It was not easy to change their name on certificates. Even failure to list their gender as transgender created difficulties. They could not apply for ration cards as a result. This primarily became an issue for private sector jobs. So, all certificates should have a gender column, the trans women demanded.
A lot of time was also spent in changing name on all certificates if trans women decided to change their name. An adalat should be held to avoid this. All should get identity cards. At the same time, it should be examined if the cards were being misused. Self-employment programmes for trans women should be expanded. Financial aid for them should also be made available.
The trans women demanded that they be included in the priority list under LIFE Mission. Steps should be taken to provide them with health insurance card.
Hormonal medicines
They demanded that hormonal medicines be made available in all district hospitals. The current facilities for sex reassignment surgery at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital should be expanded and specialty started.
The demand to conduct awareness classes on gender for government employees was also raised at the discussion. Even women police constables had no knowledge of what transgender meant. This had resulted in terrible experiences with the police, it was alleged by some trans women.
If they filed a police complaint, they were not given a receipt in return or an investigation conducted, they said.
Nearly 150 trans women attended the hearing in which Kerala Women’s Commission chairperson P. Satheedevi said the problems faced by trans women would be brought to the attention of the government.
She underlined the need for trans women to earn their livelihood through dignity, not be seeking alms. They should be assured equality in employment, education, and housing. Kerala should be transformed into a State that can be proud of ensuring gender justice for all, she said.
Published – June 13, 2025 09:42 pm IST
