Telangana to Provide Indiramma Housing to TTransgender ransgender TTraffic raffic Assistants in Hyderabad
Telangana to allot Indiramma housing to transgender traffic assistants in Hyderabad, promoting equality and inclusion in government services. In a landmark move promoting inclusivity, the Telangana government has announced that transgender traffic assistants employed in Hyderabad will be allotted homes under the Indiramma Housing Scheme. This was confirmed by Minister for Panchayat Raj and Women & Child Welfare, Danasari Anasuya, during a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday. The Minister, popularly known as Seethakka, highlighted the historic recruitment of 44 transgender individuals as Traffic Assistants in December 2024, calling it a significant milestone for both Telangana and India. “This program has delivered dignity, opportunity, and inclusion,” she said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to equal opportunities. Currently, 38 of these transgender assistants serve with the Hyderabad Police Traffic Department. Minister Anasuya further revealed plans to allot houses under the disability quota and explore more government job roles for transgender persons. “Our goal is equality in opportunity and building a society that embraces everyone,” she added. The government is also expanding support through initiatives like the Maitri Clinics in various districts and intends to broaden transgender employment across departments. Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand praised the swi recruitment process, completed within ten days under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s directive. He lauded the traffic assistants’ exemplary discipline and performance, noting no complaints have been filed against them. The department will also support those interested in private security roles Anitha Ramachandran, Secretary of Women and Child Welfare, said Telangana’s inclusive step has gained national attention, with other states seeking guidance. Traffic officials confirmed that the assistants have integrated well, managing duties with dedication and professionalism. Members of the transgender community expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing how the initiative transformed their lives aer years of marginalization. “For 76 years, we were invisible. Today, we stand proudly alongside police officers,” said one assistant. They requested benefits equivalent to those given to home guards and thanked the government for recognizing them as equals rather than exceptions. Based on the positive feedback, Telangana plans to further expand this pioneering initiative, becoming the first state in India to formally integrate transgender persons into government service. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https://thehansindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Female prisoners, transgenders observe rituals in jail
Berhampur: Chanting of shlokas pierced the high walls of Berhampur Circle Jail here on Monday when female prisoners performed the rituals of Sabitri Brata. Twelve out of 55 women prisoners, including undertrials, performed the ritual on the jail premises, said D N Barik, senior superintendent of the circle jail. “We provided them with new saris, different types of fruits, and other materials used for the ritual,” he said. The jail authorities allowed women prisoners, who performed the ritual, to meet their husbands. “We also allowed prisoners to meet their wives near the jail gate,” he said. “During previous years, he was at home during ‘Sabitri Brata’. This year he was in jail after police arrested him in a clash in the village,” said a woman from Golanthara. Several transgenders also observed ‘Sabitri Brata’ at a temple in Gandhi Nagar. They dressed up in saris and ornaments to perform the ritual like married women. “We perform Sabitri puja in different temples. This year, we chose the temple in Gandhi Nagar,” said Sweety, a transgender person. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
TN to induct trans persons into home guard services
Chennai: To promote inclusivity, the Tamil Nadu govt will soon induct members of the transgender community into the state’s home guard services. Officials from the Tamil Nadu transgender welfare board said selected members will undergo training in traffic management, crowd control, and assisting in emergencies such as floods, including rescue and relief operations. In the first phase, 50 transgender individuals will be selected and deployed in Chennai, Avadi, and Tambaram. They will be provided uniforms on a par with other home guard personnel, officials said, adding that the first batch will join within a month. However, members of the community stressed the need for sustained support beyond symbolic gestures. A transgender priest from Old Washermenpet, known as Ravi ‘Amma’, said the previous efforts lacked continuity. “Sensitisation within govt departments is essential to ensure we are treated with dignity. Social support must also be strengthened,” she said. She recalled how Greater Chennai Corporation had appointed ten transgender individuals as clean ambassadors under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), but most eventually quit due to poor acceptance within the departments. In a broader push for trans rights and welfare, the govt on Sunday also announced a revamp of the state’s transgender welfare board, which will now include 28 members — among them transgender women, a trans man, an intersex person, and a woman. The board oversees pensions, business subsidies, education aid, ID cards, and skill training for the community. The monthly pension for destitute transgender persons above 40 years has been increased from 1,000 to 1,500, with 3 crore allocated for 1,760 beneficiaries in the 2025–26 financial year. During the second wave of Covid-19, more than 17,000 transgender persons without family cards received financial aid totaling 3.4 crore. More than 10,000 individuals have used the state’s “Thirunangai” app to access ID services. Additionally, more than 800 people have availed self-employment subsidies of up to 50,000 each. Education aid and a 1 lakh annual award also continue to support empowerment and public recognition. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Transperson overcomes odds, becomes first rickshaw driver
Thane: Each morning, Kareena Aade begins her day like many auto drivers in Navi Mumbai and Thane—engine humming, eyes alert for potholes and potential passengers. What sets her apart isn’t just the occasional stares or surprised glances at seeing a transgender person behind the wheel, but her grit, resilience, and determination to break stereotypes and carve out a new identity. At 49, Kareena is a trailblazer. Decades ago, in her hometown of Akola, she realised she was transgender. Shunned by society and eventually by her own family, she could have easily broken down, but instead, she chose to fight back. Now driving a pink e-auto gifted through a corporate social responsibility initiative, Kareena is finally on the road—literally and figuratively—to independence. “She is the first trans-person to drive an auto in the metropolitan region and possibly in the state also,” said Thane transport official Mansingh Khade, who was present for the function where Aade was presented with the auto. Equipped with a valid licence and badge, she works in two shifts: early mornings and late evenings, often cruising the streets until midnight. During the day, she also helps care for two children of her relatives, who provide her with food and shelter. “It’s been just a week since I started, but the response has been heartening,” she says. “Some passengers and fellow drivers are surprised, but most have been kind. Many passengers often ask for my number to refer me to others—they feel safer travelling in my auto, I think.” “I want to start my own travel agency and also find a home of my own.” Her journey wasn’t easy. Emotional yet composed, Kareena recalls arriving in Mumbai years ago with barely enough money for a few meals. “I was a regular kid until my teens when I began expressing myself through cross-dressing,” she says. “My family couldn’t support me under society pressure. So one day, I left home with nothing but determination.” She began working in a canteen near JNPT, where she interacted with a few kind truck drivers and also assisted them on short hauls, eventually helping her get a driver’s licence. Soon, through an NGO, she landed a job escorting BPO employees—until the pandemic brought that work to a halt. Forced to return to her village, Kareena later returned to Mumbai and struggled to find work when NGO Samarth Bharat Vyaaspeeth selected her for an empowerment programme, gifting her an e-auto. “We verified her background and were impressed by her perseverance,” said Bhatu Sawant of the NGO. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Mohali & Kharar residents fed up with people posing as trans to harass, extort money
Mohali: An alarming rise in cases of extortion and harassment by regular people posing as trans has sparked fear and outrage among residents of Mohali and Kharar. Transgender activist Kajal Mangal Mukhi has alleged that criminal elements are exploiting the identity of the community to carry out such illegal activities. At a press conference here Friday, Kajal, disciple of the late Neelam Mahant, along with fellow community members Oshin, Vishwpreet, Chhaya and Dhananjay Chauhan, raised serious concerns about Pooja alias Shakir, reportedly a resident of UP’s Saharanpur. Kajal said Pooja and her alleged gang have been masquerading as trans people to extort money under the pretext of giving blessings. Residents of Janata Chowk in Kharar have reportedly been facing harassment by Pooja and her gang for over a month, with such cases now emerging in other parts of Mohali as well. “If people refuse to pay, they are humiliated, threatened in front of their families, and in some cases even stripped of their clothes,” Kajal alleged. She further claimed that despite several criminal cases registered against Pooja, no action has been taken by the police so far, allowing her gang to operate unchecked. There are also concerns over possible national security implications. Kajal and her team suspect that Bangladeshi nationals posing as transgender may have been staying at Pooja’s residence, adding to the gravity of the matter. Kajal clarified that her group practices the traditional custom of showering blessings and only at the request of the public. She expressed distress that the actions of this criminal group are damaging the reputation and safety of genuine members of the transgender community. “We get a lot of love and respect from the people of Mohali, and we want to protect that relationship. We want to ensure safety not only for ourselves but also for the general public,” she said. Kajal has submitted a formal appeal to the DGP (Punjab), urging immediate intervention and action against Pooja and her alleged extortion network. Despite repeated attempts to contact Pooja on her mobile number, she did not respond. Police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but the transgender community and residents are calling for swift and decisive action to curb the growing menace. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
‘STR 50’: Silambarasan to portray a transgender character in landmark film
Silambarasan TR, popularly known as STR, has officially announced a significant update regarding his milestone 50th film, sparking immense excitement among his fans and the Tamil cinema industry. Titled ‘STR 50,’ the film will not only mark a personal achievement in Silambarasan’s acting journey but will also see him step into a challenging and unconventional role. Directed by ‘Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal’ fame Desingh Periyasamy, the film will have music composed by Silambarasan’s frequent collaborator Yuvan Shankar Raja. Silambarasan portraying a transgender character The highlight of ‘STR 50’ lies in Simbu’s decision to play a transgender character a bold and rare move in mainstream Tamil cinema, and the actor has revealed about it in his promotional interview conducted by ‘Thug Life’ makers. While the film features multiple characters, Silambarasan has confirmed that he will portray is that of a transgender individual. The challenging actor has also consulted veteran actor Kamal Haasan for guidance on how to approach this sensitive and complex character. This transformation reflects Silambarasan’s growing commitment to choosing layered, meaningful roles that challenge stereotypes and showcase his evolving versatility as a performer. Silambarasan’s upcoming collaboration with Mani Ratnam Before this landmark film, STR will be seen in ‘Thug Life,’ directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam. Scheduled for theatrical release on July 5, the film is one of the most anticipated of the year. Silambarasan shares screen space with Kamal Haasan in what is expected to be a powerful face-off, generating buzz for its intense performances and visual scale. ‘Thug Life’ marks Simbu’s 48th film and is currently in its promotional phase. ‘STR 49’: The bridge between projects Following ‘Thug Life,’ Silambarasan will appear in ‘STR 49,’ directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan. Slated for release in January next year, this project continues Simbu’s active streak of compelling roles, setting the perfect stage for his transformative performance in ‘STR 50.’ Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Transgender woman wins Miss Universe Sikkim, to represent state in Miss Universe India
Girls aged between 17 and 29 with a minimum height of 5.2 feet can participate in the Miss Universe Sikkim contest Transgender woman Jackielynn Pradhan has won the Miss Universe Sikkim title and is set to represent the state in the Miss Universe India contest in a groundbreaking moment for the broader LGBTQ+ community. This is the first time a transgender person has won the title in the state. “This has been my dream for the past nine years. Miss Sikkim has turned into reality, and I am so proud of myself and my community (LGBTQ+),” Jackielynn told The Telegraph. A resident of Jorethang, Jackielynn continuously faced struggles in her life that also “affected my education”. “I used to be bullied in school a lot,” recounted Jackielynn. “But I never gave up. My parents, L.M. Pradhan and Pricella Gurung, always supported me. I also held on to a ray of hope. I would tell myself that I would become something in life,” said Jackielynn, who aspired to participate in a pageant and do modelling since 2016. Jackielynn, 21, beat 45 other contestants from the state to win the week-long contest on Sunday night. “Her participation conforms to the norms of the Miss Universe rules. She underwent a surgery two years ago and is considered a woman,” said Bijay Subba, proprietor of POSITUDE (positive attitude), an event management company that has been organising Miss Universe Sikkim since 2013. Girls aged between 17 and 29 with a minimum height of 5.2 feet can participate in the Miss Universe Sikkim contest. Transgender participation in Miss Universe contests is rare. Jackielynn joins Navya Singh, who last year became the first transgender woman to compete in the Miss Universe India pageant. At the global stage, transgender women Rikkie Kollé, Miss Netherlands, and Marina Machete, Miss Portugal, had participated in the Miss Universe contest in 2023. The first transgender participant in the Miss Universe contest was Angela Ponce, who represented Spain in 2018. Despite the change in perception from marginalisation to greater acceptance and visibility, the LGBTQ+ community is still facing major challenges. “Even after winning the title, I am still being cyberbullied. I represent not just my community but the entire women from Sikkim,” said Jackielynn. On Wednesday, a meeting was held in Namchi for the formation of a transgender protection cell in Sikkim. Sources said the meeting aimed to implement The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights), Act, 2019, with a focus on safeguarding rights, streamlining registration processes, and ensuring prompt investigation and protection measures for the transgender community. Courtesy : Vivek Chhetri , The Telegraph Note: This news is originally published on https://thetelegraph.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
After Trans athlete’s victory, crowd cheers second-place girl as ‘Real Champion’
At a recent high school track meet in California, 16-year-old Reese Hogan finished second in the girls’ triple jump, and set a new personal and school record. The first-place spot went to AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley. While Hernandez was awarded the top position, many in the crowd applauded Hogan as the “real champion.” After the podium ceremony, Hogan briefly stood on the first-place platform for a photo, smiling proudly. Her quiet protest sparked strong reactions online, especially from people who believe girls’ sports should be limited to athletes assigned female at birth. What’s the Protect Girls’ Sports movement The Protect Girls’ Sports movement is an effort aimed at safeguarding fair competition and equal opportunities for female athletes in school and professional sports. It focuses on ensuring that girls’ sports teams remain reserved for athletes who were assigned female at birth, based on biological differences that impact performance. Advocates argue that this protection is necessary to maintain a level playing field, prevent unfair advantages, and preserve the integrity of women’s sports. The movement also highlights the importance of supporting girls’ participation in athletics, promoting their physical and mental well-being, and celebrating their achievements in a space designed specifically for them. Support grows online After the event, Hogan received praise on social media, including from former NCAA swimmer and activist Riley Gaines. Gaines, who is known for speaking out on transgender athletes in women’s sports, posted, “Congrats to Reese Hogan, the REAL champ!” She and others shared the video of Hogan stepping onto the top podium once Hernandez had walked away, calling it a bold but respectful move. — Riley_Gaines_ (@Riley_Gaines_) Tensions rise over the protest This isn’t Hogan’s first quiet protest. Just days earlier, she and several other girls wore “Protect Girls Sports” shirts at a track prelim event. Officials told them to remove the shirts immediately before competing. According to the athletes, the request felt forceful and unfair, especially since other students wearing non-school shirts were not treated the same way. The girls complied to avoid being disqualified. Event officials respond The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) later confirmed that the shirt removal incident happened. They said all athletes must wear school-issued uniforms during competitions. However, witnesses claimed that only the girls wearing the “Protect Girls Sports” shirts were asked to remove them, raising questions about equal treatment and free expression. Despite the controversy, Hernandez now qualifies for the CIF Masters Meet. Meanwhile, the debate about fairness in girls’ sports continues to grow across the country. For many, Reese Hogan’s quiet stand has made her more than just an athlete — she’s become a symbol in a much larger conversation. The incident at the CIF Southern Section Finals, where Reese Hogan, a 16-year-old high school athlete, posed on the first-place podium after finishing second to a transgender athlete, has ignited a broader conversation about fairness in women’s sports. Hogan’s symbolic gesture, though controversial, underscores a growing concern among female athletes regarding the inclusion of transgender women in women’s competitions. While it’s essential to support and respect transgender athletes, it’s equally important to ensure that the integrity and fairness of women’s sports are maintained. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Aaron Rodgers believes biological females deserve fair play, opposes transgender women in women’s sports
During his recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not hold back when it came to addressing one of the most divisive topics in modern sports—transgender athletes competing in women’s categories. Speaking candidly with Rogan, the 41-year-old football star voiced concerns that echoed the views of many traditionalists and biological feminists, suggesting that allowing transgender women to compete against biological females is unfair and undermines women’s sports. Aaron Rodgers draws the line on trans athletes in women’s sports Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, pulled no punches in expressing his position. “The trans-woman movement is actually anti-woman,” he stated, clarifying that his comment was “when it comes to sports.” His viewpoint hinges on the belief that biological differences between men and women create an uneven playing field—one that gives transgender women an inherent advantage over cisgender female athletes. “You’re not seeing trans men dominating anything. It’s because there’s a biological difference,” he added, pointing to the physical disparities that remain despite hormone treatments or surgical transitions. Joe Rogan, known for his outspoken opinions, echoed Rodgers’ sentiments. “It’s not bigoted to say that,” Rogan remarked. He criticized the current state of athletic regulations, noting the double standards surrounding testosterone usage. “If you’re a trans man, now you have to take testosterone which is banned… So if you get like a 39-year-old athlete who has low testosterone, you won’t let him take it but you let a woman take it to become a man? Like shut the f–k up,” Rogan vented, emphasizing that basic biology—“chromosomes, that’s it, double XX and XY”—should not be ignored. Rodgers agreed, noting the irony in how some advocates cannot even define what constitutes a woman. “The people who you’re asking those questions… whether or not there’s a decided advantage can’t even define what a woman is,” he pointed out, highlighting what he sees as a glaring flaw in the ongoing debate. This conversation also took place in the backdrop of political developments. Former President Donald Trump recently signed a controversial mandate titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The executive order empowers the Education Department to withhold federal funds from schools that allow transgender women to compete in female sports divisions. Trump framed it as a protective measure, aiming to stop “men beat and batter[ing] female athletes.” While Rodgers is currently a free agent, his words carry the weight of a public figure unafraid to challenge prevailing narratives. His views, shared on one of the most-listened-to platforms in the world, have reignited debate across sports, politics, and culture—one that is far from over. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Top court against ‘sitgmatising’ transgender blood donors, for accommodating them
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati defended the restrictions, submitting that the decision was taken by the doctors based on the viability of the blood. The Supreme Court on Wednesday, while hearing a matter concerning blood donation by members of the transgender community, sought to allay concerns associated with it. The top court called on the petitioners seeking restrictions on blood donation by transgenders, sex workers and LGBTQ individuals to find a way through which possible health risks can be taken care of as well as see that the community is not stigmatised. “The concern is.. Are we going to brand all transgenders risky? And indirectly stigmatise the community? Are we creating a segregated group then? It creates a stigma also,” the court observed. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati defended the restrictions, submitting that the decision was taken by the doctors based on the viability of the blood. She submitted that no one can say they have the right to donate blood and this has to be seen through the prism of health. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Kotiswar Singh questioned what would happen if those in need of blood were well-informed about the situation and the risk involved. To which, the ASG submitted that this is blood which will go directly to the blood banks. The court went ahead and asked ASG Bhati to consider if there was a way that there is no discrimination with regard to the exclusion and the medical aspect is also not compromised. The ASG then submitted that the guidelines are in the interest of safe blood being available and not to violate individual rights. She added that this group is taken as a high-level risk group in many countries across the world, except those who have a fool-proof mechanism of testing. Further, it was submitted that if it is seen from a public health perspective, the court will see that the idea is not to stigmatise anyone. The court still expressed concern if such an exclusion would lead to the aggravation of the biases against the members of the transgender community. The Bench also directed the ASG to speak to experts, and see if something could be done in a way that, as a community, they are not separated, but medical concerns are also taken care of. Edited By: Vivek Kumar Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https://indiatoday.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.