Chennai cops to help transgenders secure jobs

The Chennai city police organised a motivational session for transgenders. A report in Deccan Chronicle states that this was an initiative by the city police commissioner TK Rajendran to help the transgender community network with employers in the city.

On Tuesday, nearly 216 transgenders from the city came together. This was the first programme where there was interaction between cops and transgenders, adds the daily. Those who spoke at the event included dancers Narthaki Nataraj, Shobana Ramesh and Shakthi Bhaskar. They narrated how they came to terms with their sexuality and how they became successful. Triplicane DCP P Perumal also spoke on the occasion.

Some of those present spoke about their grievances and their fear of workplace harassment, which they felt they might encounter. Being taken for granted by the community and stigma attached to their sexuality were also topics that were discussed.  

Resource persons from NGOs spoke about the opportunities available for transgenders. The Chennai police made a database (like a resume) with all those who attended the event so that they could be contacted for jobs.

Jaya, general manager of Sagotharan, an NGO,  working for transgenders, told the daily that Tamil Nadu is a "pioneer in the progress of the third gender" and that she was happy that something like this is happening to help the community.