Pune: Around 139 transgenders have registered their names in the voters’ list till January 31 in Pune district ahead of the 2019 General Elections. In sharp contrast, only one transgender was registered for voting at the time of last Lok Sabha elections.
Although the number has increased, city-based transgender activists stated it is very less, compared to the population of transgenders residing in Pune region.
There are at least 6,500 transgenders in Pune district, stated Chandani Gore, a transgender activist who claims to be the only transgender from the city to vote in General Election 2014.
“Voting awareness or rather human rights awareness has definitely increased among the community members,” said Gore, who is also the vice-president of city women cell in Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
“Many are now coming forward to accept their identity and claim their rights. However, there are still many who are dealing with an identity crisis. This could be one of the reasons why the number of voter registration among the community is low,” informed Gore.
“They need rigorous counselling to reach the stage of voter registration,” Gore added.
Disha Pinky Shaikh, a spokesperson of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and an activist, also stated that the number is less than expected.
“Going by Maharashtra State Aids Control Society or the national statistics, there are lakhs of transgenders and 139 is a small fraction. It is true that many are not able to accept their gender identity and this gives the proof. But National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has helped many to come out and accept their identity and also because of it those registered were enabled to tick the third gender option,” said Shaikh.
Expectations
Shaikh stated the expectations, “We are hopeful that the NALSA judgement will be followed by the upcoming government, Transgender Bill 2018 shouldn’t be passed in its existing structure and provide reservation and facilities to the transgender community under other backward class.”
Transgenders are also one of the highest migrated populations in the country. The activists have stated that lack of government documents is one of the concerns because of which many lag behind in procuring official identity documents like voter ID, Aadhar etc.
“Livelihood of many is dependent on begging, they get their groceries by begging. Many live on rent or don’t have to pay electricity bill because of which they don’t generally procure personal documents. But slowly now the awareness to acquire documents has increased and it will in the near future,” said Shaikh.
Gore also felt that a better shelter home facility for old transgenders is required, in addition to better housing facilities for the group.
‘Third option’ on forms turns the tide
