Transgenders socially accepted, govt least concerned, says Laxmi Tripathi

Shivani Bhakoo

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 11

Laxmi Narayan Tripathi- a transgender rights activist, Hindi film actor and Bharatnatyam dancer, who was in the city to attend a programme on young entrepreneurs said though they have been accepted socially in society, the governments have done little on their part.

She visited Ma Baglamukhi Dham on the Pakhowal road along with Parveen Chaudhry and MS Chatwal.

While talking with The Tribune, Laxmi said, “There is a mixed response on acceptance of transgenders in society. At some places, they are very well accepted socially and religiously while in other parts, they still face discrimination and neglect. The social stigma is still there.”

She said, “The Supreme Court’s declaration on transgenders being the ‘third-gender’ have brought positive changes. However, the governments have done nothing for our welfare.”

Tripathi said, “There has been no mapping, welfare board, social schemes, work and reservations among others for us.There are reservations for communities which are pretty well-off. We are still struggling for our rights. I am a mahant but not all transgenders are that lucky. Today, many of them are seen asking for Alms at chowks and markets.”

She added that mahants cannot accommodate all the transgenders in their deras as they have their gurus and families to run. The governments should extend a helping hand to the community.

A Post-Graduate in Bharatnatyam and Big Boss 2011 contestant, Laxmi said, “Kinners are hungry for love, respect and nothing else. They should not be neglected but accepted whole-heartedly.”