Kolkata Just Organized A First of Its Kind Summit For The Transgender Community

The transgender community in India finds itself at a very strange place: while the individuals from the community are sought out when blessings are needed, on the whole, they are kept far away from the society. This archaic tradition of isolating the community means that they have also been kept away from education, jobs and any sort of social mobility.

Their voice has been missing from the mainstream for a long time and it's high time that things change.

The people working at The Third Eye got together with the folks at Sonali’s Cubo to organise The Awakening, an event where panels were organised to discuss the difficulties faced by the transgender community in India. Vayjayanti Pugalia, the mind behind the summit, managed to put up a great show which was interactive and memorable. Held at the Hyatt Regency in Kolkata, the summit started off with panels and culminated with a glamorous fashion show.

The panels aimed at laying a foundation for dialogue about the various roadblocks that the transgender community finds in front of it. From rejection by their biological families to the psychological effects of bullying, problems that were once discussed in hushed voices were given a stage at this event.

Known faces like Atri Kar- the first transgender individual from Bengal to take the UPSC exam and Gauri Sawant- known for her activism were present at the occasion. Sadhan Pande, Minister for Consumer Affairs & Self Help Group & Self-Employment for Government of West Bengal, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The community feeling was furthered when Amra Odbhuth, a cafe run by transgender individuals, won itself angel investors which is likley to help them further their business. The kind of support and community feeling at the gathering is something that the transgender community needs.

The show ultimately concluded with a fantastic fashion show where labels like 145 East, Nandita Thirani and Poonam Kasera showcased their designs which were worn by people from the transgender community. A rather colourful show that was all about elegance and glamour, all the models did a great job.

We’re hoping that more such summits can be organised so that the transgender community’s narrative is heard and hopefully individuals who find themselves isolated from the society can find a space where they belong.