Bhubaneswar, Aug 9: Unfortunately there’s uncertainty about the participation of thirty transgenders in the state-level ceremonial parade to be held in Bhubaneswar on August 15 for Independence Day celebrations since they do not have proper uniform.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will be the guest of honour at the event. The thirty transgenders were supposed to march past in the event, bringing gender discrimination and the rights of transgender into focus. But lack of funds has forced them to walk barefoot instead, putting their participation in uncertainty.
Menaka Kinnar, president of Transgender Surakshya Trust said that they feel honoured that the state government allowed them to participate in the state-level ceremonial parade. But due to lack of funds, they cannot manage to buy shoes and would walk barefoot wearing uniform white sarees with red borders.
But Lalit Das, the special secretary home department said that Deputy Commissioner of Police inspects the presentation and performance of participants in the parade and anyone violating the dress code would not be allowed to take part in the parade.
Mansi Nimbhal, the director at the social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities department, said they appreciated their intention when they proposed to take part in the I-Day parade but have no idea about their uniform and unavailability of shoes and would look into the issue.
