The transgender community has been fighting for basic rights and equality in society. Most of them complain about not having designated toilets or places to stay or visit where people do not frown at them.
However, Mumbai in Maharashtra and Kochi In Kerala have shown us how to evolve society into an exclusive one. Mumbai has a salon run by transgender people, and Kochi is going to get a hostel built for them.
Kochi Has Its First Hostel For Transgender Community
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) presented its budget and announced a plan for a hostel for the transgender community. It will be the first time that in Kerala worries of trans people regarding resting will be put to rest.
It will be called Rainbow Home and built near Ambedkar stadium at an estimated cost of ₹3 crores. It will also come into existence in association with Kudumbashree Mission.
The New Indian Express quoted GCDA Chairman K Chandran Pillai saying, “As per the 2011 census, India has over 4.8 lakh transgender people, and 3,902 are in Kerala.”
Pillai pointed out that it had been difficult for the people of the community to find accommodation in the state. Hence, many of them are often forced to stay on the streets.
He also shared that Kudumbashree had the fund but no land. However, since the authority was planning to build an infrastructure for the community, they decided to do it together with the organisation.
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There will be separate dormitories for transgender men and women on the first and second floor respectively. The top floor of the building will have independent rooms.
Speaking about it, Padma Lakshmi, the first transgender lawyer in Kerala, told The New Indian Express, “We are charged huge amounts as rent. Many people exploit us. Having a safe place to sleep is what we need.”
Mumbai Has Its First Salon Owned And Run By Transgender Community
A new salon was inaugurated on Saturday morning in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The TransFormation Salon is the first of its kind because it is owned and run by people of the transgender community.
The unisex salon (benefits of salon at home) will offer beauty services to its customers. It will have trained personnel to ensure high-end customer service.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Stylist Omi, who identifies as a lesbian, said, “People will take time to understand us. Outwardly, this may seem humble but make no mistake, given the big leap we are making in history today.”
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They have 15 years of experience in the industry, and people might have reservations against them, but would soon realise that the community has skilled persons.
The salon will employ at least six to eight people from the community and an upper deck which would help to ensure a safe space for them.
The two cities have definitely shown us the way how we can take measures to make our society more inclusive and safe for the queer community.
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