Parivarthan members protest against Transgender Persons Rights bill 2016, Demand Justice
Mangaluru: The members of Parivarthan Charitable Trust staged a protest against the Transgender Persons Rights Bill 2016, in front of the DC office here on December 28.
Transgenders shouted slogans against the Central government for implementing the Transgender Persons Rights Bill 2016 and demanded the withdrawal of the bill.
Addressing the protesters Vice president of Parivarthan Ramya Gowda said, “The central government has passed the Transgender Persons Rights Bill 2016, which is against our community. We have left our family many years ago, but the government did not take any initiative to protect our rights or give us equal rights in the family. When our family noticed the changes in us, the disowned us. We were forced to beg and involve ourselves in sex work for a living. We demand the central government to withdraw the bill and give us equal rights in the society”.
Parivarthan member Sandhya said, “Without any choice, we lead our life by begging and sex work. Because of discrimination, it is very difficult for us even to get a rented house, we are being harassed. Let the government provide us with housing and a job. If we don’t get our rights we will continue our protest. I request the government to stop harassing us by implementing the Transgender Persons Rights Bill 2016. We demand the government to withdraw the bill and provide us with the facilities to live a respectful life.”
Secretary of PCT Sanjana said, “When we were into begging and sex work to meet the daily needs the government was in deep slumber. When the transgenders were suffering, the government did not provide us with any facilities. Now the government is trying to snatch our rights. Without any choice we lead our lives by begging or sex work. People are hesitant to provide us with houses for rent. We condemn the decision of the central government which is against the transgenders.”
Treasurer of PCT Srinidhi said, “The transgenders are of ages, in olden days transgenders used to serve in palaces for the royal families. We have suffered a lot in our lives. We were driven out of our houses by our family members and are forced to lead our lives by begging and sex work. Now the Central government is against us and is implementing the Transgender Persons Rights Bill 2016. I request the government to stop this bill and provide us justice.”
Parivarthan member Kumari said, “Now I am 50 years of age, I lost my parents. The government is forcing us to go back to our family. If I do not have anyone, where can I go? Many young people join the transgender community. The government is forcing us to stop begging and sex work, we are ready to work but the society is not accepting us. Let the government initiate the process of counselling the confused youth and also stop harassing us since we have lost everything in life. In this society where we are already being discriminated if the government passes the bill how will we be able to lead our lives? Let the government provide us with equal rights and jobs. If we get jobs it is not necessary for us to beg and involve in sex work.”
