Many of the cisgender students are unaware of the struggles faced by sexual minorities, even some from the Gender Studies department.
Published Sep 05, 2025 | 2:07 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 05, 2025 | 2:07 PM
Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam recently made headlines by inaugurating Kerala's first hostel exclusively for transgender students.
Synopsis: Heidi recalled the constant discrimination and mental harassment there. She also developed severe health issues, including urinary infections. After her surgeries, having access to a clean and safe toilet was crucial, but this basic need was often compromised. This was amplified by her roommates’ boyfriends and parents who were uncomfortable with her presence in the girls hostel.
Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam recently made headlines by inaugurating Kerala’s first hostel exclusively for transgender students. State Social Justice Minister R Bindhu described the initiative as ”historic,” highlighting the long-standing demand from transgender students for safe and supportive accommodation.
The new facility, situated on the university campus, can house at least six students and is aimed at encouraging more transgenders to pursue higher education without facing discrimination or housing challenges.
”There has been a notable increase in transgender students qualifying for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the state. In this context, the hostel project by MG University is commendable. Marginalised communities face numerous challenges, and it is vital to ensure social support for them,” Minister Bindhu told reporters.
She also emphasised that many transgenders face rejection even from their families, making society’s role in providing dignity and acceptance crucial.
Despite the enthusiasm around this initiative, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Currently, the hostel remains vacant. One student left a course due to discrimination from hostel mates, raising questions about whether such initiatives truly serve the purpose.
While Kerala has a proud record of progressive policies and historical achievements, these successes do not always translate into meaningful benefits for marginalised groups. The colorful headlines may suggest progress, but the lived experiences of transgender students require more than symbolic gestures.
When South First reached out to Heidi Saadiya, the transgender student who joined the MA Gender Studies course but later dropped out in May, shared her experience.
“I couldn’t complete my PG course, which I had dreamed about for a long time. Earlier, I studied at St Teresa’s College, which felt like heaven. everyone treated me well, like I belonged.
Heidi Saadiya, a transgender student who had joined the MA Gender Studies course at MG University but dropped out in May
But things changed when I joined MG University. At that time, there were only boys and girls hostels. I had undergone sexual reassignment surgeries, so there was no provision for me to be admitted to the men’s hostel. After long discussions, I was finally admitted to the girls hostel.
However, I faced constant discrimination and mental harassment there. I also developed severe health issues, including urinary infections. After my surgeries, having access to a clean and safe toilet was crucial, but this basic need was often compromised.
The main issue was that my roommates’ boyfriends and parents were uncomfortable with my presence in the girls hostel.
In a college, I could easily raise complaints with the principal, but on a university campus, I had to approach the VC or registrar. Getting an appointment was a long and exhausting process, often requiring waiting in long queues.
The harassment and discrimination from my hostel mates left me mentally shattered. Many were unaware of the struggles faced by sexual minorities, even some from the Gender Studies department.
“I had seen the early construction phase of the transgender hostel but didn’t expect it to become a reality so soon. I have no intention of rejoining the campus to continue my course, because authorities need to prioritise the emotional well-being of sexual minorities, especially transgender students, over material achievements. The transgender hostel is a good initiative, but ensuring mental well-being is equally important. Otherwise, it will be of little use. People like me are still outside, but I’m happy that my community now has a safe space of their own.”
When South First reached out to Anu Sunny, a transgender student who completed her MA in Gender Studies from the same campus, her experience painted a very different picture. Anu currently stays in a lodge outside the university and has not undergone any sexual reassignment surgeries.
”People treat sexual minorities differently,” Anu explained.
Anu with her classmates at the School of Gender Studies.
”Heidi and I had very different experiences, even though we were interacting with the same people. As someone who hasn’t undergone surgery, the approach toward me was different, from both girls and boys, and even the authorities. In some ways, I received more privileges and acceptance. But when I first joined the campus, I faced more difficulties than Heidi.”
She described the confusion around her hostel admission.
”I couldn’t be welcomed in either the boys or girls hostels. Because of my sexual orientation, there were concerns about admitting me to the men’s hostel. My classmates eventually accommodated me there, but I didn’t have proper space, a bed, or mess facilities. My male friends also worried about their image, fearing that their partners might question their friendship with me and assume they were gay. I had to sleep on the floor.”
Anu added that teachers from the department had suggested creating a hostel for transgender students.
”Whether or not a transgender student arrives, there should be a dedicated space on campus. We cannot cite technicalities when a student comes seeking accommodation. Authorities are not doing this solely out of compassion, they are also looking to boost the university’s ranking. MG University is among the top ten varsities in India, and such facilities help improve their score. Foreign students, especially from sexual minority groups, also look for such spaces.”
”Everything is good in terms of facilities. but policies should truly support the community. There needs to be an emotionally supportive environment and awareness about gender minorities. Otherwise, people like Heidi may lose their dreams—it’s painful.”
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
