Speaking to DT Next, brand expert N Chandramouli, the CEO of TRA Research said, “How this filters down into Corporate India is an altogether different ballgame. I have seen straight individuals in my office bonding with their colleagues, and at times, even getting married. And if that’s considered normal, it’s imperative that when it comes to same-sex relationships, I should afford them the same respect that any other couple is granted. And that acceptance is something Corporate India should propagate in a better manner.” 

The light at the end of the tunnel may be closer than one thinks as corporates and young entrepreneurs in the city have opened their hearts and offices to members of the third gender. Santhosh Muruganantham, founder of the city-based Kolapasi chain of take-away outlets, was among the first local companies to hire members of the TG community.

He said, “I had met a few members of the community while setting up our first outlet. I realised they were respectable people who needed jobs. So a year ago, I began hiring them. Our long-term goal is to set up one stand-alone model outlet fully managed by members of the TG community.”