BCR NEWS (Mumbzai): The “3rd National Transgender Hijra Habba” took place at the Eros International hotel in the capital of India, Delhi. This event was an attempt to create a broader platform and bring out the issues affecting the transgender community. India HIV/AIDS Alliance organized this mega event where over 800 transgenders from all over the country participated.
The event was intended to not only welcome the formal status of transgender as the third gender following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment last year but also to address the factors that still prevent the community from accessing the welfare measures they are entitled to. Held under the “Pehchaan” programme of the HIV/AIDS Alliance India, the event was attended by renowned bollywood choreographer Sandip Soparrkar, award winning director Onir, Indo American singer actress Monica Dogra and popular Transgender Laxmi Narayan Thripathy.
Speaking on the issue Laxmi Narayan Said, ” We transgenders have now got a status from the government which is wonderful but, what we need now is education and employment opportunities too.”
Supporting the Hijra community Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar said, “I have been teaching dance to Hijra community for over a decade now, I personally believe that they are the true Ardhanarishwar another form of Lord Natraj. They should be given equal opportunities like you and me.”
Many political leaders were also supporting the Hijra Community. Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, cabinet minister of social and justice empowerment was present along with Parliamentary forum minister Mr Oscar Fernandez, MP Shri J D Salem,
Rajyasabha MP Mr. Tiruchi Sivan, others who were supporting the cause were Swami Agnivesh,
Nandini Kapoor from UN AIDS and
Ms Kristi Desai, US embassy member.
More than 300 stakeholders from government, media, international agencies, transgender and hijra communities, and civil society came together for this iconic gathering of 3rd National Hijra Habba to promote social justice and empowerment for transgender and hijra communities in India.
