Hydraa Job, New Ray of Hope to Transgenders
According to a HYDRAA staffer the transgender colleagues have immense patience and a natural ability to understand human emotions.
Hyderabad:A job at Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has brought a new ray of hope into the lives of transgenders, some of whom had to depend on seeking alms. They are now protecting the city lakes, parks and assets. Sixteen transgenders, comprising 11 transwomen and five transmen, are a part of HYDRAA’s Eagle Team.
Tanshi Rai, from the team said that they used to make a living as mendicants. “Before HYDRAA recruited us, irrespective of the place we went, transgender people were subjected to ridicule. When we asked for employment, we were turned away. But now, when we go to perform our duties wearing the HYDRAA uniform, everyone speaks to us with respect,” the staffer added.
The 16 staffers are participating in the removal of encroachments on lakes and channels. They said that they are undeterred by the stature or influence of encroachers and were performing duties fearlessly. They emphasised that the job was not merely a source of livelihood, but rather a means of attaining a new identity for their lives. They mentioned that wearing the HYDRAA uniform is a matter of great pride for them.
“We are treated based on our performance of duties and not on the basis of gender. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath,” said Gayatri from the HYDRAA team.
According to HYDRAA records, the transgender team members have played a pivotal role in safeguarding 862 acres of government land in Ailapur, located in the Ameenpur mandal of Sangareddy district. Recently, they played an active role in the efforts to save the Edulakunta in Madhapur.
They are also engaging with women to help resolve the situation, and facilitating coordination between officials and the community. According to a HYDRAA staffer the transgender colleagues have immense patience and a natural ability to understand human emotions.
The transgender staffers now receive a regular monthly salary. They said society was now respecting them. “Most importantly, the conviction that we are capable and useful contributors to society has been significantly strengthened within us,” said Ruchita, a transgender staffer.
“Everyone is an integral part of nature. We have now become active partners in the mission to protect it and play our part in safeguarding it,” the staffer added.
