Book launched, activist felicitated

CHENNAI: It was a day of celebration and reflection, as hundreds of transgenders gathered to observe Transgenders Day on Sunday.The event was organised by the Murpooku Eluthalarkal Kalaignarkal Sangam in association with many NGOs and CBOs working for the cause of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgenders)Though the transgenders had a formal meeting in the evening, it was like a get-together, where they met old friends and made new ones. The book, History of Transgenders in Tamil Nadu penned by writer-cum-activist, Priya Babu, was released on Sunday. Writer Andal Priyadarshini said, “Transgenders have many talents and should never be ashamed of themselves.” She urged transgenders to be proud of who they are. Sudha, a transgender read out a poem portraying the struggles that a mother goes through in accepting the fact that her son had become a transgender.People who have dedicated their lives for the upliftment of transgenders were honoured. Sunil Menon, founder-director of Sahodaran, and LGBT activist was felicitated for developing second rung leadership among the community members.