Sajjanar warns of strict action against extortion by sections of transgender community
Hyderabad: Amid a surge in extortion complaints, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar on Friday issued a stern warning to sections of the transgender community, stating that police would take firm legal action against anyone involved in harassment or forced collection of money. Sajjanar delivered the warning at a meeting organised by Hyderabad police in coordination with the Crime Investigation Department and Hyderabad collectorate, attended by around 250 members of the transgender community. “There have been several complaints from the public regarding groups of transgender persons descending on households during auspicious occasions and demanding huge money. Harassing residents and forcing them to give money is unacceptable,” he said. The commissioner also raised concerns about internal conflicts within the community, driven by attempts to dominate specific areas, which he said was contributing to law and order issues. He referred to a recent incident in which a transgender person died during such disputes. “Police would deal strictly with violators and at the same time, the department would always stand by those seeking to live respectfully,” he said. Additional director general of police, CID, Charu Sinha urged community members to make use of ‘Pride Place’, a system established under the women safety wing to address their concerns and support their integration into society with dignity. Jobs for transgenders Hyderabad district additional director (transgender welfare) Rajender said efforts are underway to help transgender persons secure employment in corporate companies. Telangana is home to nearly 50,000 members of the community, he said. “We advised the community members to obtain identity cards issued by the central govt to avail themselves of reservations and welfare schemes,” Rajender said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender empowerment initiative: Amarjeet Singh aids 133 transgenders securing jobs; Ongoing efforts for housing and social acceptance persist
Jamshedpur: Amarjeet Singh, a transgender and a city-based human rights activist, is helping transgenders turn their life around and live with freedom and dignity. In 2014, Amarjeet founded Utthaan, a community-based organisation. For a decade now, the NGO has been providing transgenders a platform to voice their rights. “We took off our campaign right after the Supreme Court upheld NALSA’s judgement in April 2014. In the last decade, we achieved breakthroughs on several fronts, but our struggle is still ongoing to earn a dignified life for the transgender community,” Amarjeet said. It is her team’s effort that presently 133 transgenders from different states got jobs on permanent rolls in Tata Steel’s operating plants in Jamshedpur, Noamundi, Ghato, and Kalinganagar. Besides, 15 school dropout transgenders are receiving formal education with the support of Tata Steel Foundation (TSF). Another six skilled transgenders will be observed on rolls at Electro Steel Ltd (ESL) Bokaro in January. The journey was not easy for Amarjeet, who is a transgender. “The rudimentary mindset of the people is still a major obstruction in securing a dignified space for the transgenders in society. At every step, I experienced objections and opposition from society, but my resilience helped me achieve the goals,” she said. Aamrjeet recalled that it took five years of persistent efforts to obtain Aadhar cards for the transgenders in 2019. Gradually, the community members also obtained Pan and ration cards. Most recently, 50 transgenders in East Singhbhum district received their voter cards in December last year. “Initially, the Election Commission rejected their applications as the transgenders failed to provide their permanent residential address. But following our request, state chief electoral officer K Ravi Kumar agreed to issue voter cards based on identification done by us. On our letterhead, voter ID cards were issued. In fact, I also got the voter card on the same letterhead,” Amarjeet said. “The Transgender Welfare Board, which was constituted in the state in 2024, paved the way for the transgenders to be covered under the universal pension scheme, helping them avail Rs 1,000 every month,” Fernandez Sundi, a community member, said. “Our grievance with the govt is that we are still struggling to get a shelter home for transgenders. Besides, there’s no Abua Awas or Pradhan Mantri Awas for our community,” said Arpity, an Utthaan member. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Raipur to host national transgender sports meet
RAIPUR: A decade after India last witnessed a major national sporting platform for transgender athletes, Raipur is set to script a new chapter in inclusion and equality. The national transgender sports meet 2025, themed ‘Samta Ka Mahotsav’, will take place on Dec 19–20, bringing together participants from Punjab, Delhi, UP, Jharkhand, Odisha and other parts of the country for two days of competition, culture and dialogue. Organised by Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti- a community for transgenders and LGBTQ, with support from the department of social welfare, the event is being hailed as one of the most significant national initiatives for the transgender community in recent years. The sports festival aims to give transgender athletes a stage to demonstrate their strength, discipline and sporting excellence—transforming sports from a field of competition into a platform of dignity and identity, one of the organisers Vidya Rajpur said, the meet will help challenge stereotypes, build visibility and inspire confidence within the community. The event also comes at a time when the transgender community in Chhattisgarh and across India has been achieving notable breakthroughs. These include the introduction of a dedicated transgender column in govt job application forms, successful participation in the 2021 police recruitment and Bastar Fighter selections, and consistent performance in competitive examinations. Activists describe these milestones as proof of what inclusion can achieve when opportunities are equitable. The meet will be held at Swami Vivekanand athletic stadium in Raipur, and will feature athletics and other sporting events beginning both the mornings. “When transgender athletes run, compete and win on the field, society learns to see them through the lens of ability rather than identity,” said Vidya. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Five transgender people from the district will witness the Republic Day parade.
Basti News – The Government of India is striving to bring the transgender community into the mainstream. On the upcoming Republic Day, 100 transgender people have been invited as special guests, including five from Basti. These transgender people, selected by the Indira Charitable Society, will participate in the Republic Day parade. Basti, Hindustan Team. The Government of India is striving to integrate the transgender community into the mainstream and ensure their equal rights. As part of this initiative, 100 transgender people from across the country will be invited as special guests to the parade to be held on the Kartavya Path in Delhi on the upcoming Republic Day. These include five transgender people from Basti. Their list has been finalized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The list of transgender people was requested from the Indira Charitable Society, a Basti-based organization working for transgender people. Based on the proposal sent by the organization, five transgender people from Basti have been selected to be invited to the Republic Day parade. The Ministry has also formally notified the selected individuals. The list of 100 selected transgenders includes personalities like Riya Madvi, a police officer from Chhattisgarh, Akanksha from Chhattisgarh, a computer operator at Valco Company, Meeta Pandiya from Bhubaneswar, and Kalki Subhamaniam, a member of the Transgender National Council from Coimbatore. Ajay Pandey, CEO of Indira Charitable Society, said that it is a matter of pride that five transgenders from Basti have been included among the 100 transgenders. Among them, Sania, Kajal, Kashish, Sangeeta, and Tanya Kinnar will have the honor of attending the Republic Day parade as special guests. Courtesy: Hindi News
Peer-Support Boosts Transgender Mental Health
A new study by The George Institute for Global Health, India, has found that a peer-support model significantly improved the mental health and wellbeing of transgender persons in Delhi NCR. The two-year project, “Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing among Transgender Persons (Manthan Project),” was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and implemented between January 2024 and December 2025. The study enrolled 62 transgender participants who took part in a 12-month structured peer-support intervention from September 2024 to August 2025. The programme consisted of 24 modules designed to help participants understand and manage stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, anger, and also promoting coping techniques such as guided imagery, grounding exercises, and box breathing. The results indicate clear improvements in mental health outcomes. Depression scores reduced from a mean of 13.0 at baseline to 7.0 at the end of the intervention, while anxiety scores fell from 11.2 to 6.0. Quality of life scores also improved from an average of 48.6 to 57.8. The programme recorded a retention rate of more than 90 percent across sessions, demonstrating high acceptability within the community. The findings were presented at a dissemination event held in New Delhi on 9th December 2025, which brought together researchers, policymakers, and community representatives to discuss the evidence and explore pathways for policy integration. The discussions featured experts from ICMR, IHBAS, and NISD alongside study participants who shared their lived experiences. The findings underline the importance of community-led approaches. The results reinforce that peer-support models, when rooted in lived experience, can make a measurable difference to mental health outcomes among transgender persons. Such initiatives build trust and resilience while addressing stigma and isolation. By: Dr. Y. K. Sandhya Programme Lead, Mental Health, The George Institute for Global Health, India Adding his perspective, Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, India, spoke about the need to address structural stigma and normalise inclusion. Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to care. It is not only social but also structural, embedded in how systems function. That needs to change. Professionals and peers both have a role in offering safe, empathetic spaces for transgender persons to access care. The goal should be to create environments where transgender people are seen as part of the larger community, not apart from it. By: Prof. Pallab Maulik The national consultation featured two insightful panel discussions and a keynote address by Dr. R. Giriraj, Senior Deputy Director, Transgender Division at the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In his address, he spoke about the importance of inclusion and dignity for transgender persons. He said, Transgender people face challenges that begin at home and extend into society. What they need most is acceptance and respect, not sympathy. They are strong, independent and can contribute meaningfully to nation building. The Ministry is working to raise awareness among key groups like the police, judiciary and health professionals, and to expand access to employment, recreation and mental health services. Our helpline 14427 and Tele-MANAS counselling are steps in that direction. By: Dr. R. Giriraj The first panel discussion, “Participants’ experiences” featured participants from the transgender community who shared their experiences of being part of the Manthan project. They spoke about the importance of having safe spaces to express emotions, learning to manage stress and anger, and discovering a renewed sense of confidence through peer interactions. The participants reflected on how the sessions encouraged self-acceptance, empathy and mutual support, helping them build stronger connections within the community and view themselves beyond their gender identities. The second panel discussion, “Policy Pathways”, featured Dr. Apoorva Sharma, Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Prof. Om Prakash, Deputy Medical Superintendent and Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, India, and Rekha Dixit, Associate Editor at IIT Madras’ Shaastra magazine. This session focused on the need for inclusive and affordable mental health care, sensitisation of medical and media professionals, family involvement, and evidence-based models like Manthan to guide future interventions. In this session, speaking on the role of evidence-based research in addressing health challenges for the transgender community, Dr. Apoorva Sharma, Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said on behalf of Dr Sumit Aggarwal Scientist and Program Officer, ICMR. Manthan is an important step beyond traditional research. It connects evidence to lived experience and shows how simple, community-based models can build trust and resilience. At ICMR, we are committed to supporting research that strengthens inclusion. Our study on mpox showed that only 52.4 percent of transgender persons have ID cards and 40 percent have insurance coverage. The same study also gave evidence on the stigma and marginalization associated with the community. Projects like Manthan help generate the kind of evidence needed to guide policies that can change these realities. By: Dr. Apoorva Sharma Prof. Om Prakash, Deputy Medical Superintendent and Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), spoke about the importance of family support and understanding in promoting mental health. When we treat mental health conditions, we are not only treating individuals but also supporting their families, as mental illness affects everyone around the person. For transgender people, this struggle is even more difficult. There are many painful stories, and we want families to walk beside them. At IHBAS, we are ready to support initiatives such as Manthan, and we welcome transgender persons to come forward and share their needs so that we can design care models that truly reflect their lives. By: Prof. Om Prakash During the event, The George Institute also announced the upcoming “Together Against Stigma” conference, to be held in partnership with AIIMS and UNICEF India from November 12-14, 2026, which will continue the dialogue on inclusive and equitable mental health practices. The Manthan study adds to a growing body of research emphasising the role of peer support
Transgender players unite: Jamshedpur Football Club launches first Super League for transgender athletes; 70 players compete in groundbreaking tournament
Jamshedpur: In a first, the Jamshedpur Football Club (JFC) organised Jamshedpur Super League (JSL), a six-month soccer tournament exclusively for transgender players. The event which began on Dec 7 features seven teams competing in a five-a-side format at the JRD Tata Sports Complex artificial football turf in Jamshedpur. Matches will be organised every Sunday, with each team playing 12 matches. JFC officials said Chaibasa FC, Jamshedpur FT, Chakradharpur FC and Seraikela FC were initially slated to compete, but three additional sides—Kolhan Tiger FC, Noamundi FC and Jamshdpur Indra Nagar FC—later joined the tournament. A total of 70 players from varied backgrounds, including Tata Steel employees, daily wage labourers and vendor’s workers, are participating. “Its’s tremendous experience playing in a proper professional tournament,” said Aliya, one of the participants. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Upping the Ante: The Story of JSL’s Trailblazing India’s First Transgender League
Jamshedpur : For Puja Soy, scoring four goals in the opening match of the Transgender League felt less like a personal milestone and more like the beginning of a new identity, not as a transgender woman, but as a footballer finally recognised on the stage she had long dreamed of. “Football is such a beautiful sport, and for the first time, I felt like I wasn’t being seen for my gender, but for my game,” she said, her eyes still bright from Jamshedpur FT’s 7–0 triumph over Chaibasa FC. That sentiment captures the essence of the Jamshedpur Super League’s newest chapter. The Transgender League, introduced within the JSL’s broader philosophy of inclusivity and football for all, has quickly become a symbol of what sport can achieve when barriers are removed. It goes beyond communities, labels, or social boundaries, standing today as one of the very few dedicated football leagues for the transgender community in India. The first week at the JRD Tata Sports Complex reflected exactly that spirit. There was pace, there was passion, and above all, there was a sense of belonging many players had never experienced before. Kolhan Tiger FC announced themselves with a commanding 3–0 win over Chakradharpur FC, while Jamshedpur Indranagar FC and Noaumandi FC delivered a gritty 0–0 draw that showcased the competitive edge already built within the league. But behind the scorelines, the emotional weight of the opportunity was unmistakable. “This is the first time we are playing in a proper professional environment,” said Aliya, another participant in the league. “The support from the club and the fans makes us feel like we truly belong to the football family.” The league features seven teams, Jamshedpur FT, Chaibasa FC, Chakradharpur FC, Jamshedpur Indranagar FC, Naomundi FC, Saraikela FC and Kolhan Tiger FC, made up of 70 players who come from all walks of life. Some of them are Tata Steel employees, daily-wage labourers, small business workers, and others who simply wanted a chance to play. The five-a-side format ensures every team will get 12 matches, with the league comprising 42 fixtures in total. For many of these players, participation itself is a liberation. “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, India’s first Transgender League,” said Pyari Hessa, captain of Jamshedpur FT. “It gives us a platform we never had before and will hopefully inspire other states to create similar spaces. We’re very grateful to Jamshedpur FC for making this possible.” “The introduction of the Transgender Football League marks a progressive and meaningful step in our commitment to making football inclusive, accessible, and empowering for every individual. As the club we firmly believe that football must serve as a platform where talent is nurtured without discrimination, and where all players regardless of gender identity are given equal opportunities to participate, compete, and excel. This League reinforces our academy’s belief that sport can lead to societal change.”- explained Kundan Chandra, Head of Grassroots & Youth Football. More than another category within the JSL, the Transgender League has become a powerful statement that reflects Jamshedpur’s progressive sporting culture and JFC’s commitment to broadening football’s reach. As the league continues in the coming days, the players walk out not just to compete, but to claim their place in the football landscape, proving that the game truly belongs to everyone and hoping that more clubs across the country open up similar pathways of inclusion. Courtesy : UditVani Note: This news is originally published on https:/uditvani.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Who is Admiral Rachel Levine? First openly transgender US health leader has name changed on official portrait
Admiral Rachel Levine is the first openly transgender person to win Senate confirmation in a four-star federal position. And now she has been in the spotlight again after the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reportedly changed her official portrait in Washington, DC. It is part of the GOP government cracking down on “woke” culture and LGBTQ+ communities. Levine served as former President Biden’s assistant secretary for health for four years, overseeing the Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service. Her official portrait was displayed in a hallway on the seventh floor of the Humphrey Building alongside former Public Health Corps leaders. It has now been altered to show her previous name below the image, a spokesperson for HHS told NPR. HHS updated Rachel Levine’s official portrait to his real biological name: Richard Levine. HHS just updated Rachel Levine’s official portrait to his real biological name: Richard An HHS spokesperson said: “We remain committed to reversing harmful policies enacted by Levine and ensuring that biological reality guides our approach to public health.” pic.twitter.com/WqAINg1nX9 — Nicolas Hulscher, MPH (@NicHulscher) December 6, 2025 “During the federal shutdown, the current leadership of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health changed Admiral Levine’s photo to remove her current legal name and use a prior name,” said Adrian Shanker, former deputy assistant secretary for health policy and Levine’s spokesperson. He called the move an act “of bigotry against her.” Levine told NPR, “It was an honor to serve the American people as the assistant secretary for health and I’m not going to comment on this type of petty action.” HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon defended the change, saying, “Our priority is ensuring that the information presented internally and externally by HHS reflects gold standard science. We remain committed to reversing harmful policies enacted by Levine and ensuring that biological reality guides our approach to public health.” The current assistant secretary for health, Adm. Brian Christine, was confirmed by the Senate in October. Levine’s tenure included major public health work on Covid-19, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and the opioid crisis. The row comes amid ongoing anti-transgender actions under the Trump administration. Transgender servicemembers were forced out of the military without benefits, and passport policies were reversed. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Ghaziabad: 25-year-old transgender inmate found hanging in district jail
Ghaziabad, A 25-year-old transgender inmate allegedly died by suicide in Dasna district jail here, officials said on Thursday. The deceased — identified as Rahul alias Pari — was found hanging by a scarf in the bathroom of a cell, Jail Superintendent Sitaram Sharma said. A jail constable on duty spotted the inmate on Wednesday night and alerted the administration. Officials rushed to the spot, completed the legal formalities and sent the body for a postmortem examination, the official said. The autopsy will be conducted under the supervision of a panel of doctors and a magistrate, and the process will be videographed, he added. Rahul had been lodged in the jail in connection with a case registered under Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code at Nandgram police station in 2021. During investigation, the charge was converted to Section 307 (attempt to murder). Rahul was released on bail for a period before being rearrested by Nandgram police, and sent back to jail in 2025. The reason behind the extreme step is yet to be ascertained and under investigation, the officer said. PTI COR CDN ARB ARB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/lheprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Have issued equal opportunity policy for trans people, Centre tells Parliament
But it has no data on the employment of transgender people in the Union government Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the winter session of the Parliament, in New Delhi on December 3, 2025. Screengrab: Sansad TV via ANI Video Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the winter session of the Parliament, in New Delhi on December 3, 2025. Screengrab: Sansad TV via ANI Video The Union Government on Wednesday (December 3, 2025) told Parliament that it had no data on the employment of transgender people in the Central Government. The government was responding to direct questions on the representation of transgender people in the ministries and departments of the Union Government. In reply to the question by CPI(M) member A.A. Rahim in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma said the department had issued an “Equal Opportunity Policy for Transgender Persons” for all Central Government ministries and departments, but that “no data regarding employment of transgender persons are maintained”. Mr. Verma said the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment ensured employment opportunities for transgender people through the National Institute of Social Defence, adding that since 2022-23, it had helped place 223 transgender people in various jobs. The last Census conducted in 2011 had counted over 4.8 lakh transgender people in India. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/lhehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights