Latest news with #TransgenderResourceCentre
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Stalin releases TN Transgender Policy
M K Stalin CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu on Thursday launched a state policy for transgender people to ensure their rights in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and safety. The state will also take steps to amend Hindu Succession Act and India Succession Act to ensure right of inheritance for transgenders. The policy says transgenders will be treated as socially and educationally most disadvantaged and would be give preference in housing schemes. Steps would be taken to amend Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant acts to address concerns of gender non-conforming persons, said the policy. The state will operate a round-the-clock helpline for gender-related queries. TN has been a pioneer in introducing welfare measures for transgenders, from setting up a Transgender Welfare Board to providing a dignified nomenclature – 'Thirunangai and Thirunambi' to them. TN was also the first state to provide a third gender option in college application forms alongside male and female. On Thursday, chief minister M K Stalin , who resumed official duties after his discharge from hospital, launched the state policy. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The policy is a boon for the transgender community and addresses several critical issues,'' said Priya Babu, founder of the Transgender Resource Centre. The only shortcoming is that the policy doesn't explicitly mention reservation for transgenders, though it states that the state will take necessary steps to ensure their appropriate representation in educational institutions and govt employment, Priya Babu said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Prices May Surprise You) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo Currently, transgenders are provided reservation under MBC, but the Karnataka govt provides an exclusive 1% reservation for them. 'We need an exclusive reservation like in Karnataka,' Priya Babu added. Earlier, Stalin distributed laptops and certificates of appreciation to 135 Adidravida and tribal students who gained admission to institutes across the country. 'The first event I took part in was a delightful one. I was moved by their passion for education, their journey of education, and their rise from the most disadvantaged and suffering families," Stalin tweeted. He then inaugurated buildings for the police, fire service and the prisons department. Appointment orders were also given to 40 employees selected for the prohibition and excise department.
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Policy for transgender persons welcomed
Welcoming the policy announcement for transgender persons released by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday, members of the Transgender Resource Centre celebrated the moment by cutting a cake. The members said that they have been fighting for their rights all these years and it had fetched fruits now. Priya Babu, the founder of the Centre, said that it was a significant day and thanked the Chief Minister and the government officials. The population of transgenders stands at 4.88 lakh at the national level and there were 22,364 transgenders in Tamil Nadu. With the issuance of identity cards for transpersons, Aadhaar card, family card and among others, the policy would help them in a long way. The policy would also help shape the transgender persons on education, provide fair equal opportunities in employment, healthcare, to form families of their choice and among others. The policy's objective would be to empower transgenders and intersex persons to realise their full potential. Also, it would ensure government departments, public authorities and private stakeholders to extend inclusive and non-discriminatory treatment to the transgenders.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Free mental health support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their family members in Madurai
To promote mental well being and create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, their friends, and family members, the Transgender Resource Centre in Madurai, in collaboration with the Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), has been offering free mental health consultations from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Thursday. The initiative, which began a month ago, has so far supported close to 18 individuals, with around 15 attending in person and three opting for phone-based sessions. Most of those who have sought help fall between the ages of 20 and 30. The counselling sessions are conducted by a psychological counsellor on the centre's premises . The centre offers both individual and group counselling formats, with follow up sessions arranged based on the needs of each individual. Interns associated with the centre are also eligible to avail of the service. S. Shalini, Project Manager at the Transgender Resource Centre, highlighted the prevalence of suicidal tendencies within the LGBTQIA+ community and stressed the importance of accessible mental health support. She noted that individuals who have participated in the sessions have shown visible improvement in emotional stability, with many overcoming suicidal thoughts. Common concerns raised during sessions include relationship issues, family rejection, emotional indecision, fear, confusion about identity and future, lack of peace, and insomnia. The centre encourages individuals struggling with such challenges to fix an appointment and access the free counselling services. Funded by OFSI, the programme is currently in its early phase. Plans are underway to expand its reach, particularly to rural areas. 'We hope to raise awareness by putting up posters near Primary Health Centres (PHCs) so that people in remote locations can also benefit,' said Ms. Shalini. She further emphasised the need to introduce gender related studies in schools and colleges and to sensitise teachers, which she believes will foster greater societal understanding and inclusion. Those interested in availing the counselling can visit the centre at 5, E2, E2 Street, Chinnachokkikulam, Madurai – 625002, or call 9360730317 / 9965140064 for appointments and information. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us mental health helpline 9375493754.)
