‘This is only time we are seen and heard’

Ruvina Khan

Vasco: For Zarine and her five roommates, elections are an event they look forward to, as this is the only time they feel important and included. They are transgender, and they greatly value their right to vote, which they got after a long struggle.

“It was in 2022 that the Election Commission of India issued us cards for the first time, recognising us as the third gender. For the rest of society, this card is just another ID, but for us, it is a jewel,” says Zarine, a resident of Malbhat in Margao.

It was only after they got the election card that they could get an Aadhar card, PAN card, rent a house, etc.

She and her roommates sustain their lives by begging.

Zarine, 45, was born in Ratnagiri. Her parents handed her over to their guru in her childhood. She could only study up to Class IV, unlike Heena, 49, from Chiplun, who is a commerce graduate. However, Heena’s parents abandoned her once they realised she was “different”.

Six transgender people from Margao, two from Vasco, and one from Panaji cast their votes after being enrolled on the voter list during the last elections, with the help of government officials and Arun Pandey and Juliana Lohar of ARZ. 

“Nobody thinks of us. Nobody approached us for our votes, not even during the local municipality elections. No political party has ever spoken about our rights or even acknowledged us. However, we understand that voting is important; it is our strength. It gives us a voice and makes us a part of decision-making,” said Zarine.