Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Feb 11: Transgenders have to live their life by keeping themselves distant from family and society as both do not accept them. Most of them are natives of outstation districts. They used to beg and indulge in sex work for a living. However, now some have joined together and have started a new life.

Poorvi, Vaishnavi and Chandana are transgenders who used to beg in Udupi and Manipal city areas. They were doing this for some years. However, they have taken a new decision to lead a self-reliant life. They have opened a canteen at city bus stand. When most of the people are asleep, they run their canteen from 1 am to 7 am. Rice bath, idli, tea and coffee are available in their hotel. This quenches the hunger and thirst of night travellers and those who work in night shift. The three join their hands together and prepare delicious snacks and tea to the customers.

Most of the hotels in the city are closed during night time. Hence, people who want to have food late in the night visit the canteen run by the transgenders. They say that the initial response from public is really good. Not only response but they expect respect from the general public. They say that they will show how to live dignified life.

Recently, the SP himself had got down to the streets to curtail the illicit activities of transgenders during late nights. In fact there was a tussle between the transgenders and the SP. People accuse them of stealing and prostitution.

Saddened by the label that is put on them by the public, the three bold transgenders have taken a new step. The first MBA degree holding transgender Sameeksha has invested in the canteen and stood by her friends.