PUDUCHERRY: Orleanpet constituency is getting more attention as a transgender Jesiliya S is in the fray. She is the first ever transgender to contest
in Puducherry Assemby elections.
Nominated by Nam Tamilar Katchi, the 37-year-old Jesiliya feels that her community got recognition for the first time and she was happy about it. “It is a matter of great happiness that someone other than ‘male’ or ‘female’ is getting an opportunity to be part of the election battle. The positive response from the people is giving me much confidence. “ she says.
She had worked among the transgender community as part of various NGOs creating awareness about AIDS and addressing various problems of the community, She points out that the main problem that transgenders face is the lack of acceptance by society.
“People are not ready even to let a house on rent for a transgender in Puducherry. Basic facilities are being denied. So, ensuring basic facilities like housing for transgenders will be my first preference,” she said. Of the 9,41,398 voters in Puducherry, 79 are transgenders.
