Tirupathur (Tamil Nadu): It was an unusual sight for many motorists who had come out following the easing of the restrictions in Tamil Nadu's Tirupathur, as it was a transsexual person who was regulating traffic at a busy junction.
Clad in a saree, Mala was focused on maintaining the free flow of vehicular movement. However, she is not the only trans person performing this service, as the District Police has drafted quite a few volunteers from the third gender.
Along expected lines, these volunteers are the cynosure of all eyes at traffic junctions in the town. For a change, the general public displays compliance, putting aside their usual dismissive attitude towards sexual minorities.
Despite being at the receiving end of societal discrimination, they were adamant to come forward and contribute in whatever manner they could in the fight against coronavirus.
To the surprise of the district administration, transsexuals came forward to render their services when only ex-servicemen and volunteers were asked to enroll. However, in a welcome move, Superintendent of Police Vijayakumar, who is spearheading the fight against the pandemic, drafted them as volunteers to regulate traffic and spread awareness about the virus.
"We too are Corona warriors and are acknowledged as such by the general public. Rather than being dismissive as usual, they accept us as one among them. We feel proud for it gives us a sense of empowerment. If we get similar opportunities to work after the lockdown, the society at large would accord recognition," Mala said.
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Though, Tamil Nadu is now second in India in terms of the number of cases, Tirupathur has relatively been doing better. As on date, 18 of the 28 positive cases have been discharged from hospitals.
However, what makes Tirupathur's fight against the virus truly special is the fact that it is the only district which has involved the sexual minorities.
"We did not solicit their support. Only ex-Servicemen and volunteers were asked to report. But, they have come on their own. It was a sweet surprise," said Vijayakumar, thanking the transsexuals.
"They have earned the appreciation of everyone by their dedication in carrying out corona prevention measures. By this, they have helped erase the negative image of transgenders besides making the general public realise about their role in society. Further, they have also helped to identify those kept on the margins," he explained further.
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The transgenders drafted as volunteers join the police to regulate traffic and explain to motorists the importance of wearing face masks. They are also engaged in the Corona awareness programmes of the district administration and provide their help in reaching out to the wider public.
"Engaging ourselves in social service gives immense happiness and satisfaction. Only after landing as a volunteer, we realise the difficulties faced by the police. We work in shifts though we are not yet put on the night shift," a beaming Mala said.
"We are thankful to our SP. He could have drafted others as volunteers. It is a recognition which we have been craving for," she explained with a fervent plea to bosses in other departments to emulate the top cop and help the community.
