When members of the Born2Win social welfare trust were designing their calendar for 2015, they decided to go for something different.
Rather than scenery shots or pictures of mainstream models, the group decided to use pictures of achievers from the LGBT community.
The calendar, which the group is bringing out for the second year, has become a means to showcase the success stories of the LGBT community. “When people think of transgenders, they automatically picture us as beggars on trains, or even sex workers. We are trying to break that stereotype,” said C. Swetha, founder of Born2Win.
The group is donating the money generated from the proceeds of the calendar sale to children affected by cancer. “We would like to help someone in dire need, and not just those from the LGBT community,” said A. Malaika, secretary of Born2Win.
The 12 personalities featured on the calendar have had an impact on society at large. “We have included people who have had achievements in different fields, from social work, art and dance to the government sector,” said Ms. Swetha. “We would like people to proudly display the calendar in their offices and homes,” she said.
B. Sekar, who has helped a number of transgender women cope with their situations, is the face of January. “Unless more pe ople come out with similar ventures that showcase the achievements of our community, it is impossible to break from the shackles of society,” he said.
The calendar will be launched at the Madras School of Social Work on Monday. For more information, mail born2 wintrust@gmail.com.
