Mounting troubles for the Transgender Community

Covid-19 has swept the globe with adversities in every sector. As the nation grapples with the challenges of the pandemic, the plight of the transgender communities is yet to be heard.

“I have been facing discrimination all my life. Life has never been easy for me, even when I was a kid.”

34 year- old Nazama (name changed) hails from Dalanwala, Uttarakhand. Being a transgender has brought its own set of difficulties in Nazama’s life. The poor financial condition of the family has been an additional worry for Nazama.

“During my school life, my classmates would always bully me. I tried to talk to my teacher about it, but she was unable to provide any help, so I left my school in third grade.” Life only got worse, as Nazama was sexually abused at a tender age of eight.

Nazama receiving aid under CASA’s COVID-19 response

Although, members of the transgender community are now recognised as the third gender as per the historic declaration of the Indian Supreme Court given in 2014, the transgender community continues to face challenges while seeking employment opportunities.

Always being questioned about one’s identity, no one was willing to give Nazama any employment.

Assisting other members of the transgender community helped Nazama to be recognised in the local area by the administration and thus, in getting a Transgender Card.

Nazama began to work with the HIV Project for transgender community for three years. Taking up a job in local fairs and events helped Nazamal in earning a steady income.

When life finally started to seem prosperous for Nazama, work at the fair came to a sudden halt due to the pandemic. With the lockdown extending further, fear of the future made Nazama anxious.

The pandemic has only added more troubles for the transgender community, who already face discrimination on a daily basis.

“Our work comprises of socializing and performing at events. Due to social distancing norms that have been set to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we are out of jobs and do not have any means of sustenance.”

In these difficult times, Nazama was aided by CASA, providing dry ration and a monetary support of 1,000 rupees.

CASA aims to provide support to the vulnerable communities, who are in dire straits due to Covid-19 and shall strive to uplift and alleviate their sufferings.