The event kickstarted after the members paid homage to former CM J Jayalalithaa. Over the years, the funds generated from the initiative, no matter how little, have been used for the aid of cancer and HIV affected children and education of transwomen. This year, the proceeds from the sales will be directed towards educating six transgender persons who have been enrolled in a professional beauty course with a popular institution in the city. 

“We will also be sponsoring the education of two engineering students and two others pursuing bachelor’s in commerce. The aid is not restricted to the LGBT community. Anyone deserving assistance will be helped as our efforts, at the end of the day, are aimed at empowering the society as a whole,” adds Swetha. 

The 2017 edition features Preethika Yashini, India’s first transgender police officer and AV Kirubha, Director of THAA, an organisation that works towards securing transgender rights, among others. It has interesting accounts of their struggles and achievements. “The idea is to create more awareness and sensitise the society about the community. More importantly, we want these success stories to encourage other LGBT members to break the shackles of judgments, shame and fear, and believe that despite all odds, they can earn the respect and dignity they deserve,” adds Swetha.    

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