Kochi: The Mumbai diocese of the Mar Thoma church is extending the operations of its ‘Navodaya’ movement to help the transgender community in Kerala. The church had initiated the transgender reintegration project in Mumbai in 2014 with the objective of rehabilitating the transgenders to integrate them back into mainstream society. As part of the programme, the church will set up shelter homes, conduct awareness programmes, integrate the community and curtail the migration of transgenders from Kerala.
Considering the need for a shelter home for adolescent transgenders, the church has already allocated land in Pathanamthitta district for constructing the centre. There will be awareness sessions for parents and adolescent transgenders to encourage them to complete their education and remain in the family. “However, if it is difficult, they will be allowed to become residents of the shelter home, rather than migrating to other states”, said Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosisus of Mumbai diocese.
The Church is also planning to conduct awareness programmes in all districts and will organise sensitization programmes in churches and institutions like schools and hospitals. The church will also work with various Government and non-government organizations for the protection of human rights of the community. Navodaya Movement has a 24x7 helpline number to provide counselling and support services for transgenders and their families.
