The article “The third gender's right to dignity” (May 31) was written with great sensitivity. As a child, I never realised that transgenders are also, like me, normal human beings. Only after some detailed interaction with them did I understand the pain and agony they experienced as social outcasts. Every human being has the inherent right to lead a dignified life. Transgenders deserve equal rights in all aspects like education, employment and social status.
P. Vinay Rajiv,
Secunderabad
Discrimination against the third gender must end. They are one of the most important sections of our society that requires the utmost consideration. They are human beings like all of us. Let them also enjoy their right to life. Give them an opportunity and an ambience to be what they are. Provide them the security they require. This is the least we can do for them.
Dhanya Sajan Babu,
Thiruvananthapuram
I am happy to see The Hindu focussing on issues of cardinal importance. My graduation research was also on transgenders. People who do not respect transgenders should understand that they too are human; they have a right to live with freedom. The article has provided an insight into the other side of the issue, which no one thinks of.
Aadil Fahim,
New Delhi
People should learn to see transgenders as fellow humans. They are not responsible for their physical attributes. The state should evolve special programmes for them — even consider reservation in employment. The transgender community should not be denied the right to education. Schools and colleges which deny them admission should be penalised.
M. Ahamed Afshal Gafoor,
Kovilpatti
The transgender community, which has been given the right to indicate its gender as “O” (for ‘others') in the electoral rolls, should be allowed to do the same in schools, colleges, and government and private sector employment. It cannot be allowed to remain invisible any more. Let us understand that transgenders do not particularly enjoy the loud and aggressive behaviour they adopt. They want to live a decent life.
Rohan Prasad,
Bangalore
The law fails to recognise the discrimination against the third gender. Transgender children are subject to trauma. Their condition is kept a secret both within the family and in the culture surrounding it. For most people, producing gender proof is not an issue, but for transgenders, the insistence on the production of documents is an infringement on their privacy which may lead to sexual harassment or discrimination. Transgender prisoners are often denied the protection offered by the rule of law. Society's discomfort with transgenders has rendered them victims of the most vicious and blatant forms of violence.
K. Suresh Babu,
Tiruchi
Keywords: transgenders