Watch: Transgenders are a part of Kochi metro's workforce and they have a message for you

Twenty three people from the transgender community were employed by the Kerala government to work for Kochi Metro. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ KeralaInformation

The new 13-kilometer-long Kochi metro was flagged off today amidst a lot of revelry. After all, it has a lot of things to its name to boast of. It is the first metro in India to have an integrated multi-mode transport system with rail, road, and water connectivity. But, this is not what makes it unique. What sets the project apart from many other of its kind is the fact that the transgender community of Kerala helped build this for the people.

The government of Kerala employed 23 people from the community and deployed them in different sections, including housekeeping and ticket counters. And now that the project is up and running they have a message for everyone.

A Facebook page called Kerala Information has posted a 31-second-video, which begins with one very simple yet important question. "Are you surprised to see me?" asks one of the workers from the metro work force. After all, most people assume that transgenders live in the shadows. And even when they do come across one, all they have to offer is a smirk or a jibe.

And that is why it makes complete sense when the second worker goes onto ask, "Are you surprised to see me dressed in a uniform and talking to you? I know you are."And then the message hits home when they say that you need to stop looking at them with pity and disgust. After their contribution to Kochi metro can people still be so ignorant to think that transgenders don't have ambitions, dreams, and hopes? Of course, they do. And Kochi metro is just one small proof of that.

So, the next time you come across a transgender person, don't look back twice. See them as someone who is just doing their job. That's not too hard to follow, is it?

Also read: Transgender people are now allowed to use toilets of their choice, but dear government, what are you doing to fight stigma?

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