MLA Dr Bharath Shetty & Congress Youth Leader Mithun Rai Feed the Needy Transgenders during Lockdown
Mangaluru: The ongoing lockdown, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has affected the lives of some of the most vulnerable communities across the country, such as migrant labourers, waste pickers, single mothers, artisans and even Transgenders. It is to cushion the impact of the crisis on these sections, and to ensure their access to essentials, that many NGO’s, politicians and generous people are helping them during this coronavirus lockdown. When we think of daily-wage earners, and migrant labourers, not many think of Transgenders, who are often neglected in the society, even though they are human beings just like everyone. Transgenders income too has dropped after the COVID-19 lockdown, and they too face the challenge of both societal non-acceptance and financial burden.
MLA Dr Bharath Shetty
These 15 members of Transgender community who live in Hosabettu near Surathkal belong to Parivarthan Charitable trust, a Ray of Hope for transgenders, which was initiated in 2016, and since its inception has been working for the welfare of the Transgenders. Parivarthan Trust also celebrated the World’s First “Transgenders Day” and also hosted the FIRST ever Christmas Celebration with the Transgenders, thereby bringing the joy and fun during Christmas time among the Transgenders, and putting miles of smiles on their faces. Parivarthan Trust has been striving hard for the rights of the transgenders and has been sensitizing the students by holding various programmes.
Youth Congress President Mithun Rai
Like Former US President Barack Obama had said, “Every gay, bisexual, or transgender – they deserve to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of our society. It’s a pretty simple proposition. I think what you’re seeing is a profound recognition on the part of the American people that transgender persons are our brothers, our sisters, our children, our cousins, our friends, our co-workers, and that they’ve got to be treated like every other American. And I think that principle will win out” and Andreja Pejic, an Australian model, and the first openly transgender model to be profiled in Vogue magazine had said, ““I would like them to understand that we are people. We’re human beings, and this is a human life. This is reality for us, and all we ask for is acceptance and validation for what we say that we are. It’s a basic human right.” — and for that matter that TG’s here in DK also need to be cared for and looked after as equal human beings.
People are more conscious of transgender people now than ever before, thanks to the fact that individual things have already happened to make that so. Things seem to need to build up a certain amount of momentum and backing before the general public and the media and Trust like this one, acknowledge them. Seems like things have been good enough lately that a lot of previously closeted transgender people have come out and/or begun transitioning, and people have realized that they know more trans folks than they thought. These things put together have meant that people are aware of trans people as real people, rather than the negative stereotypes that were so prevalent and so toxic years ago.
Keeping that in mind, MLA of North Constituency Dr Bharath Shetty and Youth Congress President Mithun Rai had stepped forward to help these 15 Transgenders who are facing hardship during the lockdown, and these two generous persons were like God sent people to help them out of their hunger and hardship during this coronavirus outbreak/lockdown. Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Priya-the secretary of Parivarthan Trust said, “We whole heartily thank MLA Dr Bharath Shetty who has been kind enough to provide us lunch and dinner, comprising of Rice, Sambar and Palya, since one week and has assured that the food will be provided to us until the lockdown is lifted. We would also like to thank Mithun Rai Sir, for providing three boxes containing three 5 kg rice, three oil bottles, sugar, Rava, Tea Powder, and other condiments. We will never forget the kind generosity of these two great politicians, who have come to our rescue during this time of lockdown. May God bless them both”.
With the entire world crippled by the coronavirus, our focus right now is on resolving the pandemic. But our recovery will not be effective or complete if we forget our most vulnerable communities, including the Transgender community. Yes, the coronavirus crisis has also disproportionately affected the TG persons in many ways, just like other migrant workers and labourers. While discrimination still exists against Transgenders, but there are many NGO’s and organizations, including Good Samaritans like MLA Dr Bharath Shetty and Congress Youth leader Mithun Rai who have lend their support in this time of crisis, and therefore, others also need to follow in their footsteps and help these Transgenders in this hour of need.
The Transgenders also need your love and support just like other human beings who are in desperate need of food and other basic things during this coronavirus lockdown- and there are many options for those willing to make a difference. If you are willing to share part of your wealth with this lovable and friendly Transgender community, you can do so, and put a smile on their faces and make a difference in their lives during this coronavirus pandemic.
If you are willing to contribute call Priya at 8618768913
