Be vocal about transgender inclusion and equality

Today March 31 is celebrated as the International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This day dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.

Need more than visibility

While there may be only 500,000 trans people in India as per 2011 census, they are most visible and most discriminated among the LGBT+ people for multiple reasons including society’s lack of awareness of gender identity and expression and myths, misinformation and stereotyping of trans people. As a result, they end up getting discriminated, face a lot of hate crimes, and are often harmed too. It is stomach churning and blood curdling to read such news articles.

Statistics confirm extreme exclusion

2018 data from the National Human Rights Commission confirm the case of extreme exclusion of transgenders.

• 50-60% never attended schools and those who did faced severe discrimination
• 52 % were harassed by their classmates and 15% by teachers, forcing them to discontinue their studies
• 92% of deprived of the right to participate in any form of economic activity
• 96% are denied jobs and are forced to take low paying or undignified work for livelihood
• 23% are compelled to engage in sex work which has high health-related risks
• Only 6 % were employed in private sectors or NGOs.

Let’s not doubt their grit and ability

Despite the odds some transgenders stall tall and make us proud. From the earning the 4th highest civilian award, winning beauty pageant, being people’s representative in the state assembly to representing Asia Pacific regions in the United Nations they have repeatedly made our country proud.

Despite facing harassment at education institutions, some of them managed to complete their degrees and are serving the society as an educationist, police officer, doctor, and judge. It's about time we stop doubting their grit and abilities and welcome them with opportunities.

It is our bias and ignorance that makes people invisible and not dearth of opportunities!

Slow winds of trans inclusion

In 2019, the Government of India passed the Transgender Persons Bill to bring about trans inclusion, and ensure their fundamental rights (life, education, livelihood, housing, healthcare, etc.). Unfortunately, due to some problems with the bill it is now at the Supreme Court of India.

Nevertheless, in the last year we’ve seen courts, state governments and manufacturing industries (dominated by male workforce) take actions for trans inclusion. There was a big cheer from the community when the Madras High Court recommended Government of Tamil Nadu to have quotas for trans people and the Government of Karnataka announced 1% reservation for transgenders in teaching jobs

Manufacturing giants such as Tata Steel hired 12 transgenders at Kalinganagar plant and Bharat Aluminum Company Ltd. a public sector undertaking hired 4 transgenders as a part of their workforce last year. I hope to see more corporates follow their footsteps.

Be a vocal and visible ally

As fellow humans we have responsibility to end transgender exclusion and welcome them into educational institutions, workplaces, and all walks of life.

Here are five things you can do to be a vocal and visible trans ally.

1.      Create awareness and bust myths around trans people – talk about them with your children and friends and extended family members.

2.      Listen to lived experiences – engage with trans community, invite them to your homes, take them out for a coffee/meal to experience how the society treats them.

3.      Normalize and don’t demonize – they want to be loved, respected, included and welcomed. Rent them your secondary homes, hire them as a part of your workforce, join them in pride march in your respective cities.

4.      Use gender neutral language and pronouns – don’t assume a person’s gender or sexuality from their appearance. Share your pronouns and ask for theirs.

5.      Stand up and speak out when you see trans people being mocked at, harassed, or discriminated.

What can corporates can do

Corporates can do a lot more towards transgender inclusion than merely sharing their profits towards corporate social responsibility activities.

Standing up for repressed minorities is also a social responsibility of corporates.

1. Create awareness and sensitization around trans inclusion from leadership to support staff. Put in place a zero tolerance towards discrimination against anyone and anykind.
2. Provide upskilling opportunity and soft skill trainings for transgenders
3. Ensure physical infrastructure is in place including gender neutral restrooms, locker rooms, etc. before you onboard them
4. Start by offering them internship opportunities which gives them exposure to corporate culture and gets your leadership to be reverse mentored by them
5. Recruit in groups so that they feel secure and have a sense of belonging and support
6. Provide assistance with changing names in official documents, etc. and housing and transportation to ensure they come to work and return home safely
7. Pay more than what they currently make and give them an incentive to switch over
8. Medical insurance should cover gender reaffirmation surgery, hormone therapy, etc. and psychological counselling
9. Include their representation in PoSH committee and have an officer to hear their grievances
10. Make transgender inclusion a key responsibility area for your leadership and people leaders.

Let’s start our transgender inclusion journey by understanding them, their needs and take collective actions to end discrimination, hatred, and violence on this special day.