Transgenders happy over 'recognition'

Seeking blessings from transgenders is a tradition prevalent in North India. The trend is gaining popularity down South too, especially this election season, where politicians are seen seeking blessings from the community members in the hope of bettering their electoral prospects.

Recently, Congress candidate of Chamaraja constituency, Vasu, was seen being greeted by a group of trangenders, who also gave him their blessings, before he filed his nomination papers.

The community members also made their presence felt during a Congress convention held recently, forcing the Congress leaders to acknowledge their presence.

Being blessed by transgenders, before initiating any new work is considered auspicious. Transgenders of the city opine that thay have been “honoured” by many who believe that seeking their blessings brings them luck.

Many people even invite transgenders to their homes, and seek their blessings.
Chandini, alias Aslam Pasha, who is herself in the fray, says that though faced severe criticism and “atrocities” in their own homes, it had come as a relief to know that people from the outside had accepted them for who they are.

Shop owners, who hail form North India, many times, start their day and business only after getting puja done by transgenders. After giving money to transgenders, they take back a rupee or two, tie it in a green cloth and keep it in the cash box for luck.

Nisha, a transgender who lives in the city, says that few believers even invited them over for their house warming ceremonies. “Transgenders are not restricted to any particular caste or community. We wholly believe in Goddess Yellamma,” she adds.
She cites that they visit houses of candidates only to bless them on their success. “We had met former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa during his visit to Mysore.

He had assured of granting pension for the community members,” she added.
Vasu noted that though he “respected” transgenders, he had no such superstitious beliefs. He said, there is a need for social reform and social security for the community.