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UPFRONT
continued from page 15
The Foundation works for the soWould you like to write a book that cial, political and economic rights you wish to be included in the sylla- of the trans people. I wanted to bus of schools and colleges? make a change for betterment of transgenders as I had gone through I am already in the process of writ- much suffering and discrimination ing a book which is kind of a guide as a child in school, college and in for teachers to deal with, to handle public. Being an educated person I and to support gender confused couldn’t tolerate it, but an uneducatchildren. I want to distribute this ed, poor trans-gender person suffers book in schools and colleges so that even more. I wanted to change that, they can help gender confused chil- give them a better life. Sahodari is a dren and counsel them. very small initiative from me. But as How do you think media can play a role in bringing about a positive change in the society? It has a major role in sensitising people on many issues including gender identities. Media is our only source to make people understand about us and fight for equality and justice. It can make a change in people’s mindsets instantly by bringing out stories and truth about our community. Being a media specialist, I would like to organise media workshops inviting journalists, correspondents and sensitising them on trans issues. I would like to start my own media as well. Instead of depending on other people, we should have our own platform where I can speak in my own voice and not in other people’s voices. A magazine from the trans community, a television channel, a FM radio, all that should happen soon. Right now the only possibility is the internet where we can have our own blogs, Facebook pages and YouTube channel. How did you conceptualise Sahodari Foundation and The Centre for Third Gender?
When you are harassed right from your childhood by everybody including your family, how could you expect that person to respect the society back?
an individual, I wanted to contribute for the betterment of people like me. Through Sahodari we have not only sensitized thousands of students but also the judiciary, the police, the medical fraternity, the lawyers and the public at large and we continue to do that. We are insisting that the trans-genders be given dignified employment opportunities. The Centre for Third Gender was initiated on 5th January, 2014. Though it is called the Centre for Third Gender, it is a place for everyone. It is situated in Kottakarai village, inside Auroville. Which are the current projects you are working on? I am starting one project with the village youth and women. I want to train them in community media journalism. I am going to give each woman and young person, a camera for a day to capture their life, their opinions and thoughts; to help them understand what is important to them, the issues that are bothering them or making them happy from their perspective. What are your future plans? I see myself working in government, holding a position where I can make a huge change. I want to enter into politics, and I see myself as a good politician. I want to start an educational institution exclusively for trans-gender people. I also wish to create a big media house where I will be producing multiple media projects for the trans-community and the larger public.