Chennai is our home, where we can live with dignity and freedom, says Jaya

Chennai means home. Not just a place where my house exists, but the city in itself is home. It’s a place where I came to know about Sahodaran, an NGO working to uplift LGBTQ people. I didn’t think people like me existed, but at Sahodaran, I saw all kinds of people and felt included.

In Chennai, we have our temples, churches, our music, and culture. But in the same place also exists us, transpersons, support organisations, other LGBTQ organisations, and of course, our pride marches. When we see our city over the last 20 years, we can see how much we have moved forward. The change might be slow, but it has been steady.

Previously, we were hesitant to come out, whether it’s our house or outside. We’d disguise ourselves. Today, we are out and loud and not afraid to voice our demands. Stigma and discrimination still exist, but their extent has reduced. There is now a greater understanding and awareness in public spaces. Whether it is with law or medical support, there is now a huge possibility of living with dignity and freedom in Chennai. It is such a joy.

(As told to Meghna M.)