An initiative by NGO Sahodaran and the IT firm CGI, the Transgender Individuals Livelihood Training Programme offers over 15 types of training to suit diverse needs.
The Transgender Individuals Livelihood Programme was inaugurated on 23 January 2024. (Supplied)
When Sambavi was 19, she openly embraced her identity as a trans woman. With her coming out, she found the strength to dream — dreams filled with opportunities and a promising career. “I envisioned myself as a makeup artist for celebrities in the film industry,” she shares.
However, soon, she realised picturing a positive future seemed unrealistic, with few benefits and a lack of acceptance in sight for people from the trans community. “This was almost a decade ago. Things looked quite bleak for us,” she shares.
Fast forward 15 years, at the age of 34, Sambavi stands at the cusp of transforming her dream into a tangible reality. Over the past 20 days alone, she has fully immersed herself in the journey of mastering the intricacies required to become a skilled beautician.
“Learning this skill has always been my dream, but opportunities were scarce. Now, I can acquire the expertise and find the opportunities that eluded me before,” expresses the resident of Ayyapanthangal.
Sambavi is among the 300 individuals from the transgender community in Chennai set to benefit from the ‘Transgender Individuals Livelihood Training Programme’, a collaborative effort between the NGO Sahodaran and CGI, an IT and business consulting firm.
The programme is aimed at empowering the livelihoods of transgender individuals. It holds the promise of breaking the societal stigma that has often confined the community to occupations like prostitution and begging.
The programme is aimed at empowering the livelihoods of transgender individuals. (Supplied)
“The opportunities provided will contribute to community development, reshaping perceptions for the upcoming generation. Our goal is to witness the next generation engage in diverse professions, by being a role model for them, fostering a brighter future for the community,” beams Sambavi, who is not only pursuing her dream in makeup but is also a dedicated Bharathanatyam student.
Going beyond mere skill acquisition, Jaya, the general manager of Sahodaran NGO and LGBTQIA+ activist, emphasises that the initiative provides comprehensive resources.
“These include not only skill development but also self-employment guidance and assistance with job placement,” she shares.
This comprehensive initiative was officially launched on Tuesday, 23 January, at Loyola College, Chennai, by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Tamil Nadu, Ma Subramanian.
“Previously, training programmes targeted a maximum of 50-60 individuals. However, this initiative aims to reach 300 individuals from various pockets of the city,” shares Jaya. “CGI’s enthusiasm is commendable,” she adds.
லயோலா கல்லூரியில் LIVELIHOOD TRAINING PROGRAM FOR TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS தொடங்கி வைக்கப்பட்டது. #Masubramanian #TNHealthminister #DMK4TN pic.twitter.com/HXfs3YEDv2
— Subramanian.Ma (@Subramanian_ma) January 23, 2024
Gopinath Dakshinamurthy, vice president, of CGI, firmly believes in creating an environment where everyone can thrive. “Supporting the LGBTQI community aligns perfectly with our diversity, equity, and inclusion core values. We’re proud to contribute to their empowerment and success, furthering our commitment to positively impacting the communities we serve,” he says.
The initiative offers a range of 15 courses to meet diverse needs. Short-term training covers skills such as mehendi art, garland making, basket making, floor mat making, and glass painting. On the other hand, long-term courses include essential computer skills, advanced computer training, Tally, car driving, bakery skills, and beautician training.
The long-term courses aim to empower individuals to secure professional jobs, while the short-term ones provide an opportunity for those already employed to earn additional income.
Jaya discussed the significance of the initiative at the launch. (Supplied)
For founder-director of Sahodaran Sunil Menon C the NGO’s partnership with CGI is a strong indication of their shared vision of a society that embraces all individuals regardless of their identity. “It is commendable that organisations like CGI provide training and incentives to LGBTQI+ people according to their wishes and provide community workers to implement the programme to improve the quality of life of marginalised people,” he says.
In a unique approach, some training sessions are conducted by community members themselves, turning them into community trainers. “This not only sets a good precedent but also provides an avenue for these trainers to earn extra income,” notes Jaya.
Among the beneficiaries is Bhavana, an automobile enthusiast with a long-held desire to cruise the city in a car.
Seizing the training opportunity provided by CGI and Sahodaran, she opted for four-wheeler training and quickly learned to drive.
Bhavana perceives her accomplishment not merely as the realisation of a dream but also as a valuable skill that will open doors to new opportunities. “Given my fondness for travel, a secure vehicle and driving proficiency are essential. While I now possess the latter, acquiring the former may take a few more years,” says the Mylapore resident.
Ask her what her dream car is and pat comes her reply. “I have a soft spot for the Mini Cooper!” she announces.
“It’s a luxury choice, and affording one may not be feasible at the moment. I didn’t anticipate driving a car today, but it’s happened. I believe purchasing one, while not an immediate prospect, is certainly not implausible!” she says, with optimism.
The programme, which had its soft launch 20 days ago, is set to conclude in June 2024. (Supplied)
Looking ahead, Bhavana harbours ambitions of mastering the operation of heavy-duty vehicles such as lorries. “I envision this as an excellent avenue to transition into part-time driving. It serves as a safety net. I have aging parents and I am their caregiver. So, having this skill will enable me to earn an additional income,” she shares.
“As perhaps a rental cab driver, my dream involves picking people up, and dropping them off at their chosen destinations, all while engaging in meaningful conversations. I aim to establish an experience where individuals of all genders and ages feel secure when travelling with me, trusting in their safety,” she shares.
The programme, which had its soft launch 20 days ago, is set to conclude in June 2024.
“Encouraging the community to focus on a dignified life, I urge them to engage in meaningful activities, leaving negative influences behind. This initiative, I believe, will pave the way for a more prosperous and fulfilling future,” assures Jaya.
May 20, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 16, 2024
