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earch for 'Transgender' on Google and the result that you'll get to see is a
strip of colourful people, standing hand-in-hand together. This initiative
of Google to support LGBT is not only an evidence of humanity but
progression. As part of its celebration of LGBT Pride Month, Google has also
released an ad telling the story of one man who presented his transition from a
female to male on YouTube.
This year has been different for them. The long battle of the third gender, for
rights and equality has finally started to bear them results that they have been
longing for, all over the world. This June, Vanity Fair magazine featured a
transgender, Caitlyn Jenner, the American Olympic decathlon champion and
television personality, on its cover with the byword - 'Call me Caitlyn' - that
sparked a lot of buzz. The move was welcomed by heaps of praises by millions
The reason society has been treating transgender people the way it does, is
because they do not fit the conventions created by the former. In the media that
we come across every day, be it in films or television, they are not included
much. But this practice is slowly changing as documentary and film-makers are
taking up their stories and focusing upon them in their artwork. The 2013
American biographical drama film, Dallas Buyers Club, bought up the issue in
the movie with a transgender supporting character Rayon played by Jared Leto,
for which the actor also received an academy award. The character of Rayon
gives a glimpse of a transgender person's life and reaffirms that they are as
human, as we are. Thus, to change the stereotypical norms, such films are need
of the hour.
All human beings are born free and are equal and ought to be entitled to
enjoyment of human rights with dignity and without discrimination on the basis
of sexual orientation or gender identity. Also, everyone is entitled to equality
before the law. Transgender people are also part of society and have equal rights
which are available to others. However, the discrimination based on their class
and gender makes the transgender community one of the most dis-empowered
and deprived groups in Indian society.
Jenner's story is the beginning of a change - the dawn of a revolution. What we
have to do is to ensure that we help the community achieve what it rightfully
deserves. And that starts by accepting them in our lives.
When did the skin on our bodies, the difference in our voice, or the direction
our heart takes us decide whether or not we should have human rights?
Isabella Poretsis