Success in catering prompts transgenders to start food production company

After scripting success in the food catering services, a group of likeminded transgenders have come together to take the next leap by forming a food production company.

“We have carved a niche for ourselves by preparing ‘Biriyani’ that is unique in taste. Orders keep pouring in to book us for cooking in marriage and other events. However, the demand is high only during the season. Now instead of trying individually, we have decided to join hands and form a food production company to keep our food business thriving all through the year,” said M Sangeetha, who runs a catering service and is the president of the Coimbatore District Transgenders Welfare Association.

“To begin with, the transgenders are learning bakery items and confectionaries. With this, we could generate business by catering to the orders all through the year,” said B Rathi, secretary of the association.

They have also decided to incorporate technology into their food business by deciding to launch an exclusive app for transgenders to market their food items.

“This is a first of its kind effort by the transgenders. While the financial support will be given by NABARD, the technical assistance will be given by SWASTI, a nodal agency working for the welfare of the minority community. The training for the transgenders in making confectionaries is given by experts at CSI Bishop Appasamy College,” said Priya Babu, a transgender activist and regional program manager of SWASTI.“In Pudukottai and Arupukottai, the transgenders have begun Farmers Producer’s Company, which involves direct procurement and sale of farm products. In Coimbatore, the transgenders are into food business as they have already earned a good will in this sector,” she said.