Akkai, who was once ready to commit suicide, is teaching others to live a life of dignity today
Akkai Padmashali
Bengaluru: For the first time ever, a transgender has been conferred with the Rajyotsava award this year, the second highest civilian honour presented by the state government under the social service category.
Akkai Padmashali is not an unknown name in the city. Akkai has fought a long battle individually for her survival and for other sexual minorities through her organisation ‘Ondede’, which aims to create awareness on sexuality and sexual diversity.
Akkai, who was once ready to commit suicide, is teaching others to live a life of dignity today. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on being conferred with such an honour, an elated Akkai says, “I congratulate the state government for considering a transgender for such an honour and I dedicate this award to the entire civil society movement that has made this possible. I feel more responsible now. Finally, sexual minorities are recognised in our state, this is no less than an assurance and a hope that things can change for better for the sexual minorities. I feel other states should learn from Karnataka. There are so many people doing so much for society in other states and they should be recognised in some way.”
On the policies for sexual minorities she said, “I spoke to the chief minister and other ministers to bring in polices for the community and stopping atrocities towards sexual minorities by the police.”
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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