State level Meeting on Identity & Rights of Transgenders in Andhra Pradesh

[Guest guest]

state Level Meeting on Identity and Rights of Transgenders in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad 28th January 2011:

There are about 1.2 lakhs gays and transgender in Andhra Pradesh according

recent news reports. From ancient history, transgenders have remained an

ostracised group in the Indian society, governed by their own customs, rules,

rituals, gods and temples.

Though Indian Constitution guarantee equality before law to all Indians, this

equality in society has always eluded transgenders because of the prejudiced

notions prevalent in the society. Basic human rights violations are rampant is

every sphere of their lives.

The basic human rights to education, employment, health and recognized

citizenship themselves are denied to this community. As a consequence,

transgenders have never been able to lay claims on what is their rightful share

in the society development, such as in government schemes.

 

In neighbouring state of Karnataka, the State Government has included

transgenders in backward class list and has recognised all categories of

transgenders along with starting several other schemes to specifically benefit

the community.

While in Tamil Nadu, the State Government established a transgender welfare

board in April 2008 and issued an order on May 2008 to create a third gender for

admissions to government colleges. In another positive attempt, the TN State

Government has decided to conduct a census on the transgender population in

order to issue identity cards.

 

In Andhra Pradesh, through sustained and consistent efforts of civil society

organizations, community based groups and human rights organisations, the State

Government recognised transgenders under Minorities Welfare Department. But

their file was later directed to Women Development and Child Welfare Department

who in turn send it back to Minorities Welfare Departments giving rise lot of

confusion and thereby diluting the whole purpose of Government order.

 

Within this context a state level meeting was organised on 28 January 2011, in

Hyderabad to discuss about the gaps and challenges for transgenders rights in

the state of Andhra Pradesh.

This meeting brought together the processes initiated by NAVATEJAM (MSM/TGs

State level Network)  and Darpan Foundation in association with 365 x 6 to

create action plan and strategy for the benefit of transgender communities.

The meeting also provided a platform for the transgender representatives from

other states to share the experiences and best practices. An operation

committee  with representation from 22 districts was also formed to work further

on Transgenders Issues.

The Committee would urge the Government to work closely with the CBOs and

Networks of marginalized communities and to advocate for legistlations that will

serve as an example of good practice.

 

Speaking about the Significance of the meeting Shantivardhan, a Transgender

representative from NAVATEJAM said “through the committee, we will be

executing the action plan derived to reach out transgenders from different parts

of the state and at the same time, we will ensure that transgenders are able to

benefit through Government schemes.

 

Gowthami, another transgender representative from NAVATEJAM said aimed at

sharing perspectives of community on sexual orientation and gender identity of

transgenders, this initiative adds up to the efforts to support the recent

Government Order (GO) on transgenders in Andhra Pradesh.

 

Another Transgender from Darpan Foundation said “This is clearly a

welcoming affirmative change. but if community has to benefit fully from

recent  GO, the Sate departments must overcome societal resistances and should

address concerns over gender identity.

 

" The Government should bring forward humane and inclusive legislations that will

respect the dignity and rights of most marginalised communities within our

society " said a transgender Vijji from V-Can a state level network of CBOs in

Tamilnadu.

 

The meeting concluded on positive note with strong commitment from community

members for working towards the rights of their in a planned, focus and

strategic manner. Community members thanked Navtejam and Darpan for their

efforts in building community consensus and bringing them on one platform and

for facilitation of community network.

 

About Navatejam

Navatejam is the State level Network of MSM and TG Community in Andhra Pradesh.

Navatejam works for a bias free society towards MSMs and TG Community.

 

About 365 x 6

365 x 6 aims at promoting state level networks with the participation of

Community who are Sexuality Minorities (MSMs, FSWs, Transgenders) and Injecting

Drug Users (IDU). The programme is being implemented in six states of India i.e,

Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharastra, Nagaland and Manipur. The

community drives the State level Networks and 365x6 provides technical supports

in making these are self-sustainable.

Networking is facilitated as a continuation to what exists and the effort of

State Leading Partners in Andhra Pradesh (APSACS, Alliance and HLFPPT) will be

taken forward towards consolidation. Whole of this process shall focus on the

values of working together and in consultation with. The networking process aims

at providing necessary space and representation in relevant forums for the

community and also strengthening the second line leadership among the community

members.

Over a period of time the community is expected to be voicing out their views

assertively on the issues pertaining to their lives and work and being able to

influence the policy making process.

 

For additional information please contact

Mr Satya, State Coordinator, 365x6 @ 9440804858 / satya@...

Ms Shantipriya, Member, Navatejam @ 9030590742 /  mail@...

.......................

Stanley ph

Manager-Advocacy

365X6 Network Project Secretariat

House no.11, Sanjeev Housing Society,

East Maredpally, Check post,  

Mahindra Hills,  Secunderabad.

Phone: 040 27730584/5

Mobile: +91-9849855611

E-mail: stanley@...