Frustrated over the lack of government assistance in identification of alternative sources of livelihood, a group of educated transgenders recently appealed to the government for mercy killing.
The group visited the Chennai Collectorate and also sent petitions to other government departments.
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“I tried to get financial assistance from the government to lead my life with dignity. I do not want to beg or carry on with the other tasks traditionally associated with transwomen in society. I have never thought of doing such work for a living,” said Banu, a transgender who is studying engineering.
“I am denied part-time jobs because I am transwoman. I am unable to pay for my education and I face discrimination. Officials are unwilling to take initiatives to offer us alternative sources of livelihood,” said Banu.
“We have requested the government to allow mercy killing for us. As a citizen of India, my dignity and self-respect have been affected because of my gender identity,” Banu said.
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Living Smile Vidya, another transgender, said discrimination faced as a theatre artiste has affected her livelihood.
No life of dignity
“I don’t earn enough to make ends meet,” said Vidya, a postgraduate from Tanjavur Tamil University. Angel Glady, another transgender, said they requested mercy killing because of the challenges involved ensuring a life with dignity. Angel Glady is a postgraduate from Madras University.
Transgenders demanded mercy killing due to lack of government aid to help them live with dignity