For over three decades, Tamil cinema has portrayed several negative stereotypes against transgenders, said Priya Babu, the head of Transgender Resource Centre.
She was speaking at a film screening on ‘Transgenders in Media’ at Loyola Technical Institute as part of LENS (Loyola Education Network for Social Communications) here on Sunday. About 40 people from different walks of life attended the film analysis session. Clips from popular Tamil films - from the 1980-movie ‘Pennukku Yar Kaval’ to 2015-film 'I’.
Portraying transgender people in bad light had spoiled the chances of these people getting jobs. Lack of equal opportunities in sectors like education and health thwarted their efforts to lead a normal life. “There is a gap between reality and cinema. However, the slip is steeper with transgenders. Movies rarely speak of topics such as jobs, education and transgender love. Should we resort to begging and prostitution at all times?” asked Priya, a transgender herself, who said the discrimination is unjustified.
Some positive portrayals were also showcased. Priya added that the Central Board for Film Certification must have a transgender representation so as to prevent derogatory references to the community.
Director of LENS A. Irudaya said transmen and women were often made fun of in films. “This subaltern group is often ridiculed. Due to media’s projection of them, people have developed a feeling of disgust towards transgenders,” he said. He added that the deconstruction of their set image must take place with awareness and discussions.
The event was followed by an interactive session with the audience.
