For transgender individuals, the path to recognition and assertion of their true identity often presents formidable obstacles, frequently leading to strained relationships with their families and society. However, within this struggle to live authentically, many individuals emerge as beacons of light, advocating not only for their own rights but also for the rights of others. One such person is Jeeva Rangaraj, a transwoman who is forging a path towards a more inclusive and compassionate society, thereby illuminating the way for others to follow.
Jeeva, who was born in 1974 in the Chennai neighbourhood of Royapuram, suffered from gender dysphoria at a tender age. Gender Dysphoria is a clinical condition, which refers to emotional distress caused by a disparity between biological sex and the individual’s gender identity.
In the eighth grade, she eventually mustered the courage to share her feelings with her family, but they refused to embrace her. At the age of 13, Jeeva, ran away from home and fled to Mumbai. For three years, Jeeva supported herself by begging. During this difficult time, Jeeva found inspiration in the tenacity of other individuals with various disabilities who were assiduously striving to survive. Jeeva returned to Chennai with a determination to improve the future for transgender people.
After decades of work, Jeeva took a significant stride forward in 2007 by establishing the Transgender Rights Association (TRA), an organisation dedicated to empowering and advocating for Tamil Nadu’s transgender community. Through the organisation, she intended to resolve the wide range of social, economic, and healthcare disparities transgender people encounter.
Jeeva’s unwavering dedication to the cause of transgender rights did not go unnoticed. In 2008, in response to the urgent need for action, the Government of Tamil Nadu established the nation’s first Transgender Welfare Board. In recognition of her incredible dedication and endeavours, Jeeva Rangaraj was appointed as a member of the Transgender Welfare Board.
The Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board played a pivotal role in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronted by transgender individuals, thereby enhancing the quality of their lives. A wide range of essential services have been implemented to support transgender individuals as a result of the board’s initiatives. These services include the provision of Identity Cards, Ration Cards, House Pattas (documents of land entitlement), residential homes, sex reassignment surgery, free sewing machines, assistance for higher education (Rs.1,500 for students of Class X and Rs. 2,000 for students of Class XII), support for self-help groups (loan up to rupee two lakhs for special self-help groups comprising of five members and Rs. 20,000 for individuals), free bus travel on ordinary fare city buses, and access to free skill training.
In 2009, the ActionAid Association awarded Jeeva a fellowship. This fellowship aided her in strengthening the Transgender Rights Organisation. Jeeva also completed her studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. In addition, she earned a postgraduate certificate in Social Entrepreneurship which inspired her to improve the livelihood opportunities for her community. As the majority of transgender individuals have to engage in sex work or seek alms to survive, Jeeva sought to ensure a life of dignity for them. In 2011, she launched a skill development initiative for the transgender community through her organisation.
The decade that followed was one of hope and progress for the LGBTQ+ community throughout India. With growing acceptance, especially in major cities, significant legal milestones were achieved. Notably, in 2014, the Supreme Court of India recognised the constitutional right of all individuals to self-identify their gender, a landmark decision. The court recognised transgender individuals as the third gender and classified them as a socially and economically disadvantaged group. The court additionally directed the Indian government to provide reservations for transgender individuals in public education and employment.
Another historic moment came in 2018 when the Supreme Court of India decriminalised consensual same-sex relationships by striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. This archaic law criminalised homosexual acts, contributing to stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. This ruling had a significant impact on the transgender community as well, as a large majority of transgender individuals engage in anal sex due to limited access to gender-affirming surgeries. With the decriminalisation of consensual sexual activity, transgender people were granted legal protection and the freedom to engage in intimate relationships without fear of persecution.
In 2019, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 was enacted by the Parliament of India to recognise transgender individuals and prohibit discrimination against them at educational establishments, in employment or occupational opportunities, healthcare services, and access to public facilities and benefits. The Act additionally reinforced transgender people’s freedom of movement, property rights, and ability to hold public or private office.
Despite these positive developments, the situation for transgender people in the country remains perilous. One of the most significant challenges they encounter in cities is finding suitable housing. Even when transgender individuals can pay rent, landlords frequently refuse to rent their properties to them. Therefore, many transgender people are compelled to reside in slums or on the side of the road, which exacerbates their already precarious situation. Recognizing the pressing need for safe and inclusive shelter, Jeeva’s organization, the Transgender Rights Association, collaborated with the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the National Institute of Social Defence to establish Chennai’s first-of-its-kind shelter home in Periyar Nagar in 2021. This shelter home serves as a vital refuge for transgender individuals who would otherwise be forced to live on the streets, offering them a secure and supportive environment. The home provides more than the bare minimum of sustenance and shelter, offering a vast array of training programmes tailored to the interests and aspirations of its residents. These programmes seek to provide transgender individuals with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for their personal and professional growth.
Jeeva continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender people across multiple platforms, in addition to operating her organisation and shelter home despite the challenges in the absence of adequate funding. She is a member of the India Network for Sexual Minorities (INFOSEM) and has worked as a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme, utilising her knowledge and passion to foster positive change within the transgender community.
Jeeva Rangaraj’s unwavering commitment and relentless efforts have left an unforgettable mark on the lives of transgender individuals in Tamil Nadu. From the depths of adversity, she has emerged as a renowned activist dedicated to championing the rights of her community.
Jeeva’s story serves as a beacon of hope for countless others in pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive society.
Shared By : Esther Mariaselvam and Shivangi Gupta
