Transgender community helps the needy during extended lockdown in Chennai

No source of income, but many mouths to feed is a painful situation faced by the lesser fortunate sections of society, but when it comes to transgenders living in theperiphery, it only gets even more worrisome.

However, the transgender community in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu have ensured that they combine their efforts and resources to ensure that they safely tide over the present crisis.

"In our community, we have hardly any savings and don’t think much about the future needs, but now amid the lockdown, the sources of income have vanished and we can’teven seek alms, but we have managed so far with the largesse of many well-wishers, corporates and NGOs” Jaya, General manager of Sahodaran, an organization that works for the LGBTIQ community told WION.

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The transgender community has over 2,000 members across Chennai city and have been sourcing and distributing the available resources, relief material among themselves,while also donating a considerable bit of it to the needy and homeless.

“With the support of the police department, we have been able to reach out across the city and distribute over 300 bags of essentials that include rice, oil, sugar, pulsesand also soaps. There were few drivers who volunteered to help with logistics, while our sister organization Thozhi provided us a vehicle for free and another for a very low cost. Beyond Chennai, we have also been asking our friends to provide succor in cashor kind to our community who are living in other districts of the state.” Jaya added.

When most ration card holders get their share of essentials and a small dole in cash, many in the transgender community don’t get it as theydo not possess ration cards.

“I requested various government officials and highlighted the plight of our community, after which they offered to provide the essentials and Rs.1000 in cash for everyone with a transgender card. We also use the supplies to preparefood and share it with the needy and homeless who have no place to go” Radha, a transgender who contested in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election from Central Chennai constituency told WION.

Transgenders Durga Sri and Maya Sri saw an opportunity in adversity with the government’s door-to-door surveillance effort to contain COVID-19. They workfor a little over five hours every morning, covering about 160 homes and checking for coronavirus symptoms and assessing the condition of the aged and the vulnerable groups.

“We get to earn Rs.15,000 a month, thanks to a police official who suggested that we take up this opportunity offered by the civic body in Chennai. This work is temporarywould last only about two months, but they provide us PPEs and fresh meals. I have been involved in social work and this campaign is a blessing in disguise. I’m born and raised here and the people accept us for who we are and cooperate with us, we would begrateful if we get permanent jobs” Durga Sri told WION.