CHAPTERS OF CHANGE

Author Sudha's recent Tamil book, sheds light on the various laws, terms, and issues faced by the trans community Na binary-coded world, checking boxes, forced conformity, and rigid rules take centre stage.

- ARCHITA RAGHU

As we tear out of our boxes and rewrite the rules of society, liberation inches closer but countless questions surface. What are the government-notified Tamil words that refer to transmen and transwomen? How do transpersons access identity cards, gender affirmation surgeries, and welfare schemes? How do parents truly understand children who belong to the trans community and raise them lovingly? Tamil book Thirunambium Thirunangaium, penned by trans writer Sudha, a Kalaimamani Award winner, artfully answers these queries, weaving stories, and incidents, nudging readers to sensitively and deeply understand the community.

"We understand girls through their stages, they may get married, and have kids, but how many know about the milestones and journeys of trans persons? This is a book for the public; there is no point in giving it to trans people; it is to educate students, the public, and those who head companies," says Sudha. Over the past year, the member of Sahodaran, a city-based NGO, engaged in deep research and wrote 30 essays touching upon themes of health, education, and family acceptance - in a popular Tamil daily. These stories were collated into a book and released in July at YMCA Madras International Youth Centre, Vepery.