I was the chief guest of the event. Mr. Hari Ratan, the Rotarian who found me through this blog and has since then followed my trans advocacy, was the person who invited me. He was instrumental in me being there as a chief guest. I was about to speak in front of 25 guests. Many of them were high class business men and women. As I was a little late due to the heavy traffic in Chennai, the meeting had just started when I arrived. People were warm and they welcomed me. I had about 15 minutes to speak but I spoke for 20 minutes. I was speaking about the life struggles of the transgender people generally in India and particularly in Tamilnadu.

I spoke to them about the difficulties and discrimination transgenders face in terms of housing facilities, education and employment opportunities. I explained to them very clearly why some of them behave in a violent way in public, the social and psychological reason behind such acts. I spoke to them about how socially deprived transgenders are. They were attentively listening to me. I also asked them to help the community with a successful project that will support their livelihood. It was a nice platform for me to voice for the needs of the community.

The current president and the incoming president were very warm. They are interested in doing a welfare project that will be sustainable and provide employment for the under privileged transwomen. All the Rotarians were very eager to empower the transwomen economically. I have sent a project proposal and will send another one tomorrow.

I hope they will definitely embark a positive difference. I wait with my fingers crossed.