Transgenders vote in hope of better future, empowerment

"Slowly, things are changing. From nothing, we now have the opportunity to cast our votes as third gender"

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NEW DELHI: Madhubala, a 29-year-old third gender, cast her vote for the first time and expressed hope for a better future.

“We want policies that empower us, ensure our safety and give us equal opportunities,” she said.

Delhi has a total of 1.55 crore eligible voters, including 1,261 third genders (transgenders) with their highest concentration (294) in South-West Delhi.

Some of the community members were enthused about being able to vote for the first time, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to contribute to the democratic process and shape a better future for all.

Madhubala, a dancer by profession who teaches Bollywood-style dance to children, said, “I voted for the first time with the belief that each vote is important.”

She said there are many things in the national capital that need to be fixed, right from human rights to basic infrastructure.

“Our community needs leaders who will not neglect us and will take us along with others. We do not want to be left behind.