It is rare that a rights-based initiative for transgendered people is successful. Congrats to the Gates Foundation for funding one.

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Decision to set up welfare board for transgenders hailed
Chennai, India
24 January 2008

The city-based Tamil Nadu AIDS Initiative, Voluntary Health Services (TAI-VHS), supported by Gates Foundation, today thanked the State Government for its decision to establish a separate welfare board for Aravanis (transgenders).

At the valedictory of week long 'Aravanigal Dinam' (Transgenders' Day) celebrations, organised to showcase the talents of Aravanis, TAI-VHS adopted a resolution thanking Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for the gesture. The celebration was also to honour the contribution of transgenders in creating awareness among the public on prime diseases prevention and management. About 1,000 transgenders from various parts of the state arrived here to share their experiences in the 'Aravani Utsav.' DMK Rajya Sabha member Tiruchi Siva was the chief guest and Dr N S Murali, Honorary Secretary of VHS addressed the transgenders.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Siva said even mentally and physically-challenged children were not ostracised. ''It is a pity that transgenders are ostracised by the society and their own families.'' Transgenders in the state had been issued ration cards, voter ID cards and their right to education was acknowledged. The new welfare board would go a long way in helping transgenders, he said. ''I will forward all your recommendations towards this end to the Central and State governments,'' he added. - Bureau Report

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