Trans Tea Stall now open at Guwahati

In an attempt to bring equanimity among human beings, a transgender-managed stall selling food and beverages at the Guwahati Railway station, Assam has been commissioned. In a tweet from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the official handle of the nodal agency of the Union Government of India, the communication was shared along with a video.

This is a great move to show the world that the much criticised third gender can also lead a respectable life. There have been many such instances of retailers employing the third gender but to see such a showcase in a Government undertaking, such as a railway station, is highly appreciable. When the State gets involved in a cause such as this, it brings in the much required involvement of the bureaucrats, politicians and the public at large.

Many transgenders across India are often criticised for harassing the public, often at traffic signals and are seen squatting around on highways. This is because no one wants to employ them or offer them a respectable job due to which some of them end up in immoral and illegal activities. It takes a whole society to bring in a massive change in collective behaviour but it often begins with just one person. Though the activism to support transgenders have begun, a lot more needs to be done. In a recent Indian language movie featuring top Telugu stars on Netflix, the character of a top Film actor is shown taking advantage of his make-up artist who is a transgender. Instances such as these, showcases them in poor light and as being vulnerable to abuse.

Next, hope to see such instances of the Trans Stalls being opened in other public places, including many other railway statioms, large bus terminals, parks, zoos,, etc. and most important at high profile locations such as Airports.