Sandhya Rajesh cast her vote for the first time ever on Tuesday at Fort Girls’ Mission High School.
Sandhya says she left home at a very young age and did not get an opportunity to cast her vote so far. Even after becoming a member of the Oasis Cultural Society, a collective of transgender persons, she was keen that she cast her first vote after getting an identity as a transgender. This time, her wish was realised.
174 voters
Sandhya was among the 174 transgender voters on the voters’ list for the Lok Sabha elections in the State.
Sreekutty Namitha, patron of Oasis, said people from the transgender community could vote under their own identity this time around. “Many people had no identity cards or address. The government, through the Transgender Cell, helped facilitate this. Some 15-20 transgenders are voting under the Oasis address.”
Sreekutty says there are many more transgenders than those on the rolls.
Nakshatra, Maya and Sreelechu also cast their votes as transgenders. “We have secured the right to vote after a long struggle, and wish that those who come to power do not neglect us and give us the same rights as those given to men and women,” said Sreelechu.
They said their votes were for those who raised their voice for the community in Parliament. “We want to select people who are aware of sexual and gender minorities and their rights.”
Surya and Ishaan K. Shaan, the first transsexual couple in the State to tie the knot, also cast their votes at Pattoor and Vallakkadavu respectively.
For a cause
On the representation for the community in politics, Surya said it was imperative that other transgenders came forward to fight elections and espouse their cause. “It is positive that Chinju Ashwathy is contesting this time; it is the beginning of a change.”
