Glad to see support for private member's bill: Transgenders

The transgender community was happy on Friday to get a "positive response" from all political parties as the Rajya Sabha unanimously passed a private member's bill that protects its rights.

For the first time in 45 years, the upper house has unanimously passed a private member's bill.

"The bill received support from all political parties and this shows how they have become sensitive towards our issues and difficulties. I am sure it will be passed smoothly in the Lok Sabha as well," Reshma, a transgender from Patna, told IANS over phone.

"This is a big moment because it will allow us to have our own organisation like the National Commission for Women. We can protect the rights of our community and won't be dependent on anyone," Reshma added.

Mumbai-based transgender Gauri Sawant said if the bill is passed in parliament smoothly, it will reinforce their identity in the country and help them to get rid of the stigma.

"It was our right. I am extremely happy that it (government) has recognised us as citizens of India and not as invisible entities," Sawant told IANS over phone.

DMK member Tiruchi Shiva, who moved the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, said: "We say human rights are for all, why some people are neglected."

"We all have human rights, whatever our gender identity. The bill I have presented is for an act which will create an equal society as it recognises and protects transgender persons, in all spheres of life," said Shiva.

"Different countries have taken steps, why not India?" Shiva asked.

"This is an opportunity for our community because transgenders will get better rights in education and other fields once the bill is passed in parliament," Sawant said.