Chennai’s transgender community battles coronavirus COVID-19 and stigma by creating awareness

Chennai: The transgender group in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai is actively collaborating with the federal government and the civic physique within the battle in opposition to the coronavirus COVID-19. From creating consciousness to conducting door-to-door screening and coordinating ground-level efforts, members of the trans group and their NGOs have been on the frontlines in lots of badly affected areas and congested slums throughout town. This is claimed to be a first-of-its marketing campaign involving transgenders working with the federal government authorities in preventing the lethal pandemic.

In partnership with the Chennai Corporation, the transgenders are taking on quite a lot of duties, spending as much as eight hours a day on the sector. As part of a 100-day employment scheme, the transgenders are paid round Rs 15000 per thirty days, in addition to being offered breakfast and lunch.

“We are primarily assigned 3 tasks–Awareness, Prevention and Control. Awareness involves going on foot and spreading the word on personal hygiene, hand washing, immunity-boosting measures and physical distancing. We go in groups around localities and announce via loudspeakers and also speak to people individually and clarify their doubts,” stated Jaya, General Manager of the NGO Sahodaran.

Besides the attention creation, they go across the assigned localities and distribute free fabric masks and immunity booster drinks. As part of management measures, they individually cowl about 150 homes and conduct fever surveillance and examine for signs. In case, folks with signs are discovered, they’re suggested to go to the closest fever clinic or the first well being centre for additional checks.

“Recently we even conducted some new initiatives where we used to dance, drama and storytelling to create awareness. We hold placards, shout slogans, and even had transgenders who won national-level beauty contests participate in the awareness campaign,” Jaya added.

While the 100-day scheme has been a boon to the transgender group, its not as straightforward because it seems. They must struggle COVID-19 and likewise the stigma in folks’s minds. “Initially the public was apprehensive, there were stigma and discrimination. Their cooperation was less and they even questioned it’s on why we were coming to their houses daily. But eventually, the rapport got better and they started seeing us as family members,” stated Sudha, the director of Thozhi NGO.

Jaya provides that their transgender group is glad to serve the society of their little methods. “We are fighting corona and stigma. We could say that the transgenders are joining this fight for their basic economic needs and, but we’re taking these risks for the welfare of fellow members in the society,” stated Jaya.

Dhanabashyam of Snegithi NGO says that this has been an excellent expertise for her and that it additionally helps them financially. “We work for about eight hours stating 7:30 and the company additionally offers us with breakfast and lunch. We are glad for the chance that has come our means,” stated Dhanabashyam.