5 times Indian transgenders were mercifully recognized as equals

Picture for representational purposes only. Photo: Facebook/CompetitionKeeda

 
The transgender community in India is finally getting the respect it has been fighting for. Ever since the Supreme Court of India formally created the "third gender" category, transgender rights in the country have gotten the required push.

Although the society is yet to recognize them as equals, the laws in this country are slowly becoming more inclusive. Starting from employing transgender people in the Kochi metro to organizing sports meet--here are five times people from the community were treated as equals.

When Kochi Metro Decided To Employ Members Of The Transgender Community
In a bid to push for the rights and welfare of those who have been marginalized, the upcoming Kochi metro is set to employ 23 transgenders. According to the Hindustan Times, people from the transgender community will be deployed in different sections, including housekeeping and ticket counters based on their qualifications. And that's not it, this is the first time a government-owned company in the state is providing bulk employment to members of the third gender.

Also Read: Transgender people are now allowed to use toilets of their choice, but dear government, what are you doing to fight stigma?

When Chennai Got Its First Ever Transgender Policewoman
Tamil Nadu recently welcomed a transgender to its state police force--a first in India. After Madras High Court's intervention, although the TN Uniformed Services Recruitment Board did not have a third gender category, K. Prithika Yashini joined the services. Yashini took up duty in Dharmapuri as sub-inspector (SI) in April after being trained successfully in Chennai.

When Kerala Opened Its First-Ever Transgender School In 2016
The school, which is the first of its kind, opened in the city of Kochi, Kerala. The school aims to prepare students for 10th and 12th board exams, and provides vocational skills training. The school is even headed by Vijayraja Mallika, who's a transgender activist.

Also Read: Is Kerala truly an ideal state for the people of transgender community?

When Transgender People Were Allowed To Appear For Board Exams In Bihar
This year in February, 10 transgender people were allowed to appear for the class 12 examinations of the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). According to the Hindustan Times, around eight transgenders have applied for BSEB's Class 10 (matriculation) examination.

Prior to this, the BSEB did not allow candidates to exercise third gender option. The candidates had to specify their gender either as male or female while filling up examination forms.

Also Read: Nepal's first transgender model to walk the Lakme Fashion Week 2017 ramp

When India Got Its First-Ever Transgender Principal
In 2015, West Bengal made history after appointing India's first transgender college principal. Manobi Bandopadhyay took charge as the principal of Krishnagar Women's College in West Bengal's Nadia district, breaking all stereotypes.

According to The Hindu, she had said that her gender identity come as a roadblock in her career. In fact, during her selection process, she had signed a form as belonging to the 'third sex'.

Also Read: Manabi Bandyopadhyay, India's first transgender college principal resigns