The transgender community in the city may be better off than their counterparts in other States when it comes to social acceptance, but jobs and permanent houses still remain a distant dream for them.
A short-stay and care home for transmen is functional at Kunnukuzhy in the city and one for transwomen will be opening soon at Karakkamandapam. While the facilities have been welcomed by the transgender community, these do not address the requirement for a permanent shelter for them.
The short-stay homes, an initiative of the Social Justice Department as part of its Mazhavillu umbrella project, will be run by community-based organisations (CBOs). Transmen or transwomen who have undergone sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or those in crisis can stay at the home for a maximum of three months.
What happens to them after that remains a question. “As CBOs manage the home, the residents are bound to ask them about shelter after the three months have elapsed. Do they go back to the streets? The government or the CBOs will not have an answer to that,” says Sreekutty Namitha, patron of Oasis Cultural Society, a CBO based at Manacaud. If there was a permanent shelter home in the State, those leaving the short-stay facilities could be asked to go there, she says.
‘Where do we stay?’
Community members find it extremely difficult to find accommodation. Few people rent out places to them. Even if they find a house, they cannot afford the rent. House-hunting becomes an exercise that lasts months. Hotels and lodges frown upon them.
Sreekutty says housing schemes of the government have not helped at all. Even if houses or flats like those given by the Tamil Nadu government in Kanyakumari district to transgenders are not available here, facilities where they can stay together should become a priority, she says.
Shyama S. Prabha, Project Officer, Transgender Cell, says a proposal for separate housing scheme for transgenders is under the government’s consideration as many in the community do not meet the criteria for inclusion under the LIFE housing scheme. The matter has been discussed with the State Transgender Justice Board, she says.
Last resort
Employment is another of their long-standing demands. Not many jobs are forthcoming for the members of the community. This forces many to resort to sex work.
Sandhya Rajesh, also a member of Oasis, says they just want to earn for their sustenance and save up a little. “We can do various jobs in government institutions such as hospitals.”
The government had given a grant of ₹62,000 to select community members for self-employment, says Shyama.
A loan of ₹3 lakh is also available through the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation for starting enterprises. There are many avenues available through the Kudumbashree.
Many community members are aware of these avenues, but not everyone is convinced about their utility. “We have been given skill and personality development training, but if we need to be visible in society, jobs and accommodation are imperative,” Sreekutty says. The younger transgenders have more opportunities, but the older lot need some support, she adds.
Shyama says 45 community members have been trained in beauty care by the Ernakulam-based Dhwayah Transgenders Arts and Charitable Society. Another proposal for training and placement by HLL Lifecare is under consideration.
The transgender cell has proposed an SRS unit at Government Medical College Hospital. Transgender Kalotsavam and Sports Week, two events that could not be held last year owing to the floods, will be held this year.
