Transgender continues to practice dance in Block Panchayat office, facing difficulties with the support of the government

Undaunted by the sweat pouring down their faces, transgender artistes continued their dance practice at the Block Panchayat office here ahead of their next performance. When the transgender artists started presenting cinematic dance very easily while performing traditional classical and folk dance, the people present there clapped in their praise.

Uday Sodhi

Block Panchayat extended a helping hand

For these transgender artistes, it is not just a performance but a means of earning their livelihood. At the same time, it is also an effort to make our presence more visible in this society by fighting all odds. These artistes are members of a unique art troupe, the first of its kind, formed in collaboration with the Block Panchayat in Kanhagad, Kasaragod district of Kerala. The Block Panchayat has extended a helping hand to the community in view of the problems being faced by them.

Currently more than 15 members in the group

The name of the group is “Complete Kala Kshetra” and it is believed to be the first such professional group of transgenders started or promoted by a government body in the southern state. Eminent transgender activist Isha Kishore is also a trained classical dancer and is leading the group. He informed that the group currently has more than 15 members. He pointed out that many of these members did not have any permanent employment or any special means of livelihood after the outbreak of Covid-19.

We will get more acceptance in the society

“Many members of the community who are interested in art and dance decided to come together and register an art troupe. We thought, if we protest under the banner of a registered group, we will get more acceptance in the society.” Kishore and fellow transgender members recently presented the proposal before the Kanhangarh Block Panchayat during a ‘Transgender Sabha’, a meeting convened by them to discuss issues of the community, which was accepted by the block.

Courtesy: Punjab Keshari

Note: This news piece was originally published in punjabkeshari.in and used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights.