THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : A survey conducted by the State Literacy Mission has identified 918 transgenders (67.14%) in the state who are willing to be part of the mission’s cont i nu i n g e d u c at i o n p ro gramme.
The survey report also made several recommendations including setting up of transgender clinics in all medical college hospitals, per mission to apply as a transgender persons in PSC examination, launch of special pension plans for the community and and legal support for members.
As per the survey, 18.59% transgender persons live in corporation areas, 32.09% live in municipal areas and 49.33% in panchayats. The survey also identified 2.76% transgender persons as adolescents. While 33.73% are in the age group of 21 to 30 years, 39.40% are aged be tween 31 and 40. It is during adolescence that people begin to understand their own sexuality. Once they realize that they are transgenders, they find it hard to face the society.
As many as 81.3% persons surveyed identified as transwomen. Transmen comprised 18.25% while 0.44% belonged to intersex category. While 41.92% are living with their families as per the survey, 27.54% live in own houses and 27.76% live in rented accomodations. Another 2.76% are destitutes staying in various shelter homes across Kerala.