After struggling for over a year to launch her own business venture, Srinidhi, a transwoman, finally opened a designer boutique in Madurai.
It was a dream-come-true moment for 26-year-old Srinidhi, when Collector L. Subramanian inaugurated the garment outlet at Poomalai Shopping Complex opposite Anna bus stand on Thursday.
Ms.Srinidhi is the first transgender in the State to have started a garment shop with financial help from the Mahalir Thittam. She thanked former Collectors U. Sagayam and Anshul Mishra for the assistance they extended to her in securing the loan.
Named after her, the textile store has clothing for women and kids. The prices of the products range between Rs.250 and Rs.1,000.
“Unlike a few transgenders who are forced into undesirable acts to make a living, I want to lead a noble life by running my own textile shop,” said Ms.Srinidhi.
Though she had got a Masters’ degree in business administration from Madurai Kamaraj University, Ms.Srinidhi was constantly denied job opportunities owing to her gender. However, this prompted her to turn an entrepreneur. “I plan to expand my business and employ more transgenders, and my wish is to export garments soon,” she added.
“It is a proud moment for the transgender community. The Central and the State governments should encourage people like Ms.Srinidhi and help uplift them by providing financial aid and self-employment opportunities,” said Barathi Kannamma, a transgender social activist.
