Abusive beggars at signals a concern in Bengaluru

Citizens are disturbed by catcalling and verbal abuse by aggressive transgender women seeking alms in Central Business District (CBD).

Many citizens are complaining of aggression and verbal abuse by transgender women begging at the city’s busy traffic signals. 

Transgender people Metrolife spoke to believe ‘duplicate transgender persons are on the prowl’ at popular city junctions in and around the Central Business District (CBD). 

On Monday afternoon, Metrolife spoke to transgender persons begging on M G Road. “We take our identity seriously and dress with dignity and modesty. We don’t catcall or curse but instead offer blessings. But lately, more and more men dress up as transgender women and beg in areas like M G Road and Cubbon Park. Duplicate transgender women are giving the community a bad name,” says Suji, a transgender woman in her 30s. She urges people to not tarnish the name of the community over the acts of a few. 

Anagha (name changed) transitioned into a woman about a decade ago.

“Earlier people would seek us out to get our blessing, but that’s not the case anymore. Although younger people respect and accept the transgender community, they don’t like being touched. We have begun to accept that,” she says.

Verbal harassment 

Nihal Mohamed, 34, was recently walking near Anil Kumble Circle at 8 pm, when he was approached by two transgender women. “One of them tried to grab my arm. They followed me until I entered a cafe. They were calling me ‘sexy’ and ‘hero’. It made me extremely uncomfortable,” he says.

Many who travel by auto say they are at the mercy of aggressive beggars at the signals in the locality. “Transgender persons at the M G Road signal get angry if we refuse to pay them. One of them cursed me, saying my future would be miserable,” shares Rupali (name changed), a media professional. Fathima M, 26, faced a similar situation near Freedom Park. “On my way to work, I am usually approached by the same group of transgender women. Recently, when I refused to give them cash, one of them said my family would die,” she says.

Routine trouble

Many auto drivers complain that the beggars touch and catcall their passengers.

R R Nagar-based auto driver Santosh G R recalls: “I was driving a passenger, a young girl, and stopped at the signal near Cubbon Park. Some transgender women came up, held her hand, and kept touching her hair. She was uncomfortable. When I intervened, they went away.”

Activists speak 

Transgender activist Akkai Padmashali says the portrayal of Bengaluru’s transgender people as an empowered community is a myth.

“They are still grappling with economic instability and the mental pressure of not being accepted by their families. Even though we got the Transgender Act (2019), much of it is yet to be implemented. The community is still struggling to get jobs,” she says. She believes the acts of a few shouldn’t be used to tar the entire community.

“A troubled life can often lead to aggression and frustration. This applies to everyone begging for alms, irrespective of gender,” says Uma P, transgender activist.

Harassed citizens must approach the police, she says. “Often, people shy away from complaining, fearing they might come across as transphobic. But that is unfair. If you face abuse or violence, you should inform the authorities so that the cycle does not continue,” she suggests.

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda says the police have not received any complaints of aggressive behaviour by transgender persons in the recent past. “It is the BBMP’s duty to deal with the problem of begging at traffic signals,” he says.