THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The document prepared as part of TG Suraksha Project of the NGO Dale View has proposed construction of a shelter for people belonging to the transgender community.
The document was released by city police commissioner H. Venkatesh at his office here on Friday.
Dale View project manager B. Jose Suraj said one of the immediate requirements of the transgender community was a space of their own.
“Now they assemble in various parks in the city. However, they are facing harassment from cops and security personnel there,” Mr Suraj told DC.
“One of the peculiarities of the transgender people is their desire to cross-dress. They could not do it in the public space because of various taboos. At present, we provide such a space by setting apart one room in our office at Karamana where they are allowed to behave in their true self”.
Another problem is that most of the members of the community live in rented houses either as single or in group as the families discard them when they realise of their identity.
“There are also problems for getting houses on rent for transgender community members,” Mr Suraj said. “At present we have identified 306 transgender community members.”
The Dale View currently provides classes in communicative English, computers and vocational training for members of the transgender community.
