We Transgenders in Tamilnadu, have been saddened by the deaths of thousands of civilians in Srilanka. The war has killed numerous children, women and thousands of innocent people. Many families have been wiped out completely - no one left to cry, to weep, to even shed a drop of tear. It is an unbelievable horror what is going on in the island. And here in India, politicians could do nothing except play out of the situation.

We Tamil Transwomen decided to voice against the war and killings of innocent Tamil people in Srilanka. I and Priyababu took the initiative along with our friend from the film world Mahendra Varma. We wanted to show our support for the innocent civilians and we wanted to voice against war - WE WANT THE WAR TO BE STOPPED.

We called up all the Jamaath leaders and prominent transgender activists from the state and informed them our decision. There was tremendous support from the community. We went to the Chennai Commissioner of Police and filed our application for permission to hold a 'Fasting for Eelam Tamils' to stop the Srilankan war and show  our solidarity to the dying people. We met Viduthalai Siruththiakal Leader Thol. ThirumavaLavan in the campus of Chennai Police. We invited him then and there. He accepted to come. We decided to do it in Chennai Chepauk on dec 8th.

I and Priya did a series of things. Calling hundreds of Transwomen from the state, meeting Kanimozhi ma'm and asking her presence for the event,  meeting prominent people from the Tamil film world who would support our cause, rasing funds for the event, visiting Thamizh maiyam and Father Jegath Cusper and asking them to help us in printing posters were some of the few things we did.

 I and Priya were running around preparing for the event that would happen on 8th december 2008. Sometimes without eating the whole day and having food only at night. I was also keeping a watch over the war in Srilanka. I want it to end, I want the killings to stop. But it was not happening. The situation was getting worse and worse. It still is.

We girls discussed the issue many times. We were well prepared for the event. We also had our friend Gomathi who joined with us later. Gomathi is a gem - a real dedicated person working in her own way for the community's welfare. I love and respect her a lot.

We arranged for a Mandapam to stay overnight for Transwomen who would come from far off places, especially the 7th evening was important. Many came from Vellore and Kadalur and lodged themselves on the night before the event. I was amazed by their warmth and vibrancy. They were queens.

On December 8th morning I and Priya were early birds to Chepauk as we had co-ordinated everything. Our sisters came in singles and groups and all of us were dressed in black to show our uniformity and solidarity for the cause. Hundred came and we organised the seats for them. They were very adjusting and understanding. The media started pouring  and soon there were umpteen Television channels and newspapers - all the major chennels like SUN, JAYA, RAJ, KALAIGNAR and newspapers like Indian Express, Dinamani, Dinathanthi, Mathrubhumi and Eanadu, news ageencies like ANI and PTI, radios and web channels were there. Friends and activists gathered for support too. 

 

 

 

Kanimozhi Ma'm came and was perfect in her speech. She is our icon. She is our wellwisher and  has been continuously supporting for our cause. She is a simple, very intelligent, wonderful lady. I just can't describe enough of her. She is definitely in a league of her own. The perfect Thamizh woman. During her speech she mentioned how Transgenders have been oppressed by the society and how one oppressed community can always identify with another one's pain and suffering. She was crisp and clear with her speech. She is my role model.

Later many Transgenders spoke - some senior women were very good in their speech. Their understanding of the Srilankan problem was very clear. We all want Peace and what else.. Eminent personalities like Father Jegath Cusper, Activist Mangai, Kavignar Thyagu, Film personalities like Mansoor Ali Khan, RK selvamani, Saravana Subbiah and V. Sekar also spoke. 

 

 

 

In the late afternoon I could see that many of the sisters were tired and started feeling weak. But their spirits never faded.  And in the evening Thol. Thirumavalavan sir came to complete the fasting event. He gave fruit juice to a senior lady Erode Santhiamma and finished the fasting event. However his partymen burnt the effigy of Srilankan Chief who had made alleged derogatory remarks. We were protesting peacefully. The effigy burning was against our wishes. We expressed our disappointment over the incident immediately over the mike. All the sisters were confused by the sudden event of fire and police rushing to stop the partymen. Many left immediately. That was really a shock for us. We expressed deep disappointment to the party chief and followers.

Later Thiruma sir called and expressed his regret over the incident. But the poor Transgender sisters.. They didnt even have a glass of water when the fasting finished. They just left immediately in this confusion once th fasting was over. The next day, we called many of them and shared our concerns. All of them were very understanding about the situation. DinaThanthi was gracious enough to report this incident very correctly. 

Our event was success. Though the war hasn't stopped. Atleast we managed to create a ripple and make the goverment understand that War is Crime. And it should be stopped and save innocent people. Indian should save innocent Tamils. 

So far, the Tamil Transwomen have been voicing for our own powerment and acceptance. This was the first time we joined hands together and rose for a major problem.  For our brothers and sisters in Srilanka.

We are proud about it.