IS DU TRANSGENDER FRIENDLY? ‘NO WAY’

Delhi University’s move to include the third gender in its admission forms in 2014 was hailed as a progressive move, making transgenders hopeful of inclusiveness. But the latter remains a dream. The illtreatment by officials and students during admissions leaves them disheartened, with many opting out of college. This year, since admissions in DU opened on May 22, 36 applications from transgenders have been received so far. Sharing her ordeal, Anu, a Delhi-based transgender, recalls, “When we were filing the form on campus, officials asked us: ‘Kab se transgender ho aap? Kitne dino se?’ I was shocked. Padhe-likhe log bhi aisi baatein karte hain!” Wishing not to be named, another transgender from Delhi recalls being teased with slurs. “I approached a group of students to find get directions to the window for filling up the application for School of Open Learning. They called me a ‘chhaka’. I knew right then that I won’t be one of them.” She adds that dejected students like her quit studies and resort to vocational training. College authorities say they do their bit to promote equality, but a lot more is required. Dr Rama Sharma, principal of Hans Raj College, says, “We keep organising counselling sessions to sensitise our staff and students about this.” Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, Deputy Dean Students’ Welfare, DU, however, adds: “The awareness should begin at the school level itself, otherwise these students are bound to face such issues.” Meanwhile, transgender Anu volunteers with Delhibased SPACE NGO to sensitise youngsters, teachers towards the third gender. “We’re working with 15 schools,” she says.

PHOTO: ZABEEH AFAQUE/HT