Trans men in Manipur continue to face various issues though the Supreme Court of India had declared transgender as 'Third Gender' and affirmed that the fundamental rights granted under the Indian Constitution will be equally applicable to them.
One Sopin Lasishram, a trans man from Moirang Purel, Imphal East has been taking shelter at his friend’s house as he was not allocated his rightful land by his family members.
Sopin, while narrating his story to the Imphal Free Press on the sidelines of the observance of “Transgender Day of Visibility”, said “discrimination faced by the third gender is not over.”
During the COVID lockdown, Sopin said he lived in a temporary shed near his house as his family members did not accept him as a transgender.
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The Transgender Day of Visibility was observed at the residence of All Transman Association Manipur (ATMA) founder president Diana Potsangbam alias Anna at Hodam Leirak in Imphal West.
Considering the unrest situation faced by the trans men in the society, ATMA was established in 2016 to redress the issue and problem faced by the younger trans men, said Diana, who is also a filmmaker.
“Let’s us show to the world that we are visible and we are human and face all the issues together to make a future free from gender discrimination,” he said to all the trans men living in the society.
Diana expressed his gratitude to all the supporters and well-wishers who stood for the rights of the transgender community.
Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Imphal West, Heralata said transgender (third gender) has been recognised by the Indian legal system following a landmark judgment passed by the Supreme Court in 2014. She stressed on the various rights and provisions of the transgender given under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Pointing out that transgender are not fully free from criticism even after the implementation of the Act, she said the act is a step forward for the transgender community.
In order to avail the benefits of various welfare schemes, the secretary said the transgender community should obtain their transgender certificate from the concerned district magistrates.
The observance was sponsored by the District Legal Services Authority, Imphal West and was also attended by CO of 2nd MR Victoria Yengkhom, president of CCSK Jitendra Ningomba, medical officer of 69 battalion CRPF Dr P Premlata as presidium members.
