Though the Supreme Court has given recognition to transgenders by categorising them as the Third Gender, they are still going through a lot of problems in the society.
Starting from health facilities to hygiene and sanitation, the transgenders are exposed to discrimination almost everywhere. “In public places, there is no toilet facility for us. Wearing Sarees, we do not feel free to use male or female toilets,” said social activist Kinner Meera Parida.
Meera further said that in hospitals, though doctors behave in an appropriate way, the fourth grade employees do not cooperate with transgenders. Hijras admitted in hospitals do not feel comfortable in either male or female wards, she said, and demanded special wards for them.
The activists shared all these problems at a workshop, organised by city-based organisation Sakha here on Saturday to sensitise mediapersons on the issues affecting transgenders and their rights.
Chief guest Social Security and Empowerment of Person with Disabilities Department Secretary Saswat Mishra informed that eunuchs would get identity cards soon. They would also be included under the National Food Security Act. As many as 14,000 ration cards under the NFSA would be distributed among the transgender community in the State, he added.
The activists also explained about the problems like discrimination in public places, social stigma and lack of jobs both in private and Government sectors.
Sakha president Sadhana Mishra said, “After the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment, we have a chance to move freely among the general public. But we are still facing discrimination.”
Among others, OSACS Project Director Babaji Charan Das, Pratap Sahu, Meghana Sahoo and Madhuri Kinner also spoke.