‘Ancient Tamil literature has many references to transwomen’

MADURAI

Ancient Tamil literature had a lot of references to the lives of transgender community, said Priya Babu, head, Transgender Resource Centre, here on Thursday.

Addressing a seminar organised by Social Welfare Development Foundation and Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Priya Babu said

Thirumanthiram by Thirumoolar described the characteristics and attributes of a transwoman.“In

Seevaga Chinthamani , there is a reference to a transgender woman, who helped in coordinating the swayamvaram of the princess,” she said.

Elaborating on various positions held by transwomen through references to Tamil literature, she said the status of the community got deteriorated during the British rule. “The Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, termed marginalised groups, including transgenders, ‘innately criminal’. This hindered their financial status and hence many transwomen started earning money through the art of dance. Over the years, the status of the community deteriorated,” she said.

Transgender physiotherapist Solu said that the community must have reservations in government jobs, as a large number of qualified transwomen were rejected by private companies. “We are ready to write exams and recruitment can be done based on merit. There is a large number of talented transwomen, who if given the right opportunity, can excel in their lives,” she added.

Transgender activist Bharathi Kannamma said Tamil Nadu was one of the States where the status of the transgender community was comparatively progressive.

Many representatives of the community shared their experiences and opined that the public must support them through their activism to help in attaining their rights.

‘Ancient Tamil literature has many references to transwomen’

Status of the community got deteriorated during the British rule: Priya Babu