As the lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic continues, the transgender community in Bangalore is finding it extremely difficult to make a living.
The Centre and various state governments have announced relief packages for the daily wagers, labourers and other needy but none except some NGOs have come forward to help transgenders.
With the ongoing lockdown, the transgenders are facing difficulty as most of them beg for livelihood. “What wrong have we done? We are unable to get out of our homes, we can’t ask for money or food, what are we going to eat, at least provide us with some food,” said a transgender.
Some of the transgenders are often ill and some also are suffering from HIV and don’t have any money to buy medicines reportedDeccan Herald.
Akkai Padmashali, the founder ofOndede, an organisation that works for the rights of the transgender community said she was disappointed by the indifference shown by the authorities towards the community. “Our daily life is affected just like any daily wager. We have no food, no money for rent or medicines,” she said.
‘Talking To Transgender Will Get You Corona’ Posters In Hyderabad
In a separate event in Hyderabad, posters were stuck on the metro pillar at Ameerpet Metro Station, on Raj Bhavan road could be seen saying, “If you talk to transgenders, you will get Corona.”
The incident sent shock waves in the community. Transgender activist Chandramukhi urged the police to use the CCTV footage to find out the miscreants, reportedThe New Indian Express.
In a letter to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment she wrote, “Transgender community is vulnerable because of lack of food security, housing, steady income, access to health and sanitation facilities. A high prevalence of HIV infection makes the community more susceptible to Coronavirus and the culture of community living has created a situation of danger.”