Q and A: Transgender Bill 2018 is watered down, needs changes

Chennai

A Jaya, a transperson and general manager of Sahodaran, speaks about the problems inherent in the proposed act.

What are the anomalies in the act?
The act is just a move to bring in something for the transgenders without actually understanding their trials and tribulations. It shows that the Central government believes something is better than nothing.

What does it deny?
It denies us the rights to any kind of economic, educational and social rights. It stresses we shouldn’t be sent out of our original homes and puts the onus on legal help. There are already many of us who have been sent out of our homes and we know legal help is a far-fetched dream. In fact, Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchy Shiva had made an attempt to cover all aspects of our lives through his well-researched bill. However, it has been watered down entirely. They deny us of all the rights and at the same time tell us we shouldn’t take up begging or prostitution. Do we have any choices left?

What are your plans to bring the necessary changes in the act?
We are appealing to all political parties from the DMK to the BJP. We do not have any political affiliations. We want to work in association and in tandem with all of them to ensure that we lead a hassle-free life.

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