Transgenders in TN break glass ceiling

CHENNAI: I am an achiever and also a transwoman, says Selvi (26), a successful sports doctor.

She is the new symbol of empowerment, breaking the old myths of 'sex trade' that had long dogged the transgender community, as the 'Rainbow Parade', a rally for the transgender community, comes to the city for the second time.

Selvi had completed her BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) and is working at the Madras Cricket Club as a sports doctor. Born at Kalakurichi village near Tirunelveli, she said, "It wasn't easy to stay in school and continue the education in college, with everybody mocking and calling you by names.

But then I knew education is the only way I would be able to live my life with dignity in the mainstream society; so I worked hard, and today I'm just a professional respected for who I am."

Angel Glady (24), another transwoman, who holds a Masters in Mass Communication from Madras University, now working with TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) as a help desk executive, is another testament of how education had brought dignity to transgenders.

Glady said, "People generally think transgenders are only capable of doing sex trade and begging, but I want to tell the world that transgenders are also intelligent people capable of achievements."

Both Selvi and Glady sing off with a message to others going through gender identity crisis, "No matter whatever it is, never stop your education; even if you are dropped out of school, please go back and continue your studies. It is the only way to earn a dignified place in society."