A shelter for life of safety, security for transsexuals

CHENNAI: Dressed in bright pink saris, Shivani and Yazhini sit stringing flowers into garlands. Till a few months ago, they were out on the streets struggling to eke a living. Now, with a roof over their heads and regular meals a certainty, they have come together to launch their first business venture – a flower stall.




Started just a week ago, the little stall has been set up right in front of a tiled building with a board that reads ‘Thozhi: Shelter for Transgenders’. A night shelter for transsexuals supported by the Chennai corporation, it is Shivani and Yazhini’s home away from home.

“I come from a traditional Muslim family. I have only my mother and since other relatives were not comfortable with me being a transsexual, she was always in two minds whether to accept me or not,” says 22-year-old Shivani, who was homeless for a year before finding refuge in the night shelter in Chetpet. She hopes to be a beautician in the future.

“We inaugurated it last year; the idea was to have a night shelter for transsexuals as many of them are homeless. Some go to work in the morning but need a place to stay at night,” says city health officer Senthilnathan. “Two more shelters are being constructed in other parts of the city,” he adds.

Initially, the shelter was run by another NGO but after it ran into trouble, the night shelter was dysfunctional for a time. It was handed over to Thozhi, a welfare organisation for transwomen, in July this year. Now, the two big rooms of the building house 25 residents. “We provide breakfast and lunch as well as snacks, which are funded by local donors,” says Kaavya, president, Thozhi.

Saara Ali, 25, programme manager for the shelter, says shelter residents are taught yoga, garland making and other vocational skills. Thozhi has also tied up with organisations such as Periferry and Sakhi to find jobs for the residents.

Shivani and Yazhini decided to sell garlands. “About 10 to 15 people buy garlands every day from us and we make Rs 200 to Rs 400,” says Yazhini, who dreams of modelling and pursuing her passion for Bharatanatyam. “I am from Vellore and have done my teacher’s training but couldn’t find work. I came to Chennai with my sister but when I stay with her, people gossip about the way I dress so I am more comfortable staying in the shelter,” says Yazhini.

Some of the residents have found job placements. Agnisha, 23, works at the ticket counter in the metro station in Little Mount. “I want to work hard and become a senior official there,” she says.

Kamali, 29, works at Kolapasi restaurant. “I came to Chennai 10 years ago for work but had to quit various jobs once people realised I am a transssexual. Now I earn Rs 12,000 a month,” says Kamali, who hopes to become an established writer. Thamarai, 25, works at The Bagel Pot in Ambattur. “I do cooking, serving, and billing and get paid Rs 11,000,” she says proudly. Jananya, 24, is learning tailoring and hopes to find a job soon.

For many, the shelter is also a refuge where they can stay while undergoing feminisation. “Here I get free food and shelter and can save money for it,” says Thamarai. Thilottama, programme coordinator for the shelter, feels there are only few challenges running it. “Sometime the jamat members try to get the transwomen to go back. But otherwise people are happy here,” she says. Thozhi is looking for donors who can support the residents. “We want to give non-vegetarian food twice a week and we also need clothes or dress material for them,” says Kaavya.