Ram Kali, who heads Basera, said, “Many of the transgenders who are part of the initiative beg at traffic signals and are sex workers. This has given us hope. It’s a matter of pride for our community…We will also be paid Rs 1,000 a day.”
Kali said many people praised them during one of their rehearsals at India Gate.
“One person said to me ‘usually we see people from the transgender community begging at traffic signals, but it’s inspiring to see you as traffic volunteers’,” said Kali.
Another transgender, who underwent the training, said they were told how important it is to wear helmets properly.
“I have no qualms about saying that I was a sex worker, but around a month ago, I came to know about this initiative.
The members of Basera counselled me…It’s been a month since I have left that profession,” said Rohini (name changed).
The volunteers will ask rickshaw-pullers and e-rickshaw drivers at metro and railway stations not to obstruct movement of passengers and park their vehicles properly, said Sharma.
From Agencies, Feature image courtesy
