Even though the country is slowly coming to terms with the transgender community and, by and large, there is general acceptance of them in society, the occasional cases of violence and discrimination against them show that we still have a long way to go.
So, in order to ensure the safety and security of transgender persons in the state, Telangana State Police’s Women Safety Wing, led by IPS officer Swati Lakra, has launched ‘Pride Place’, a Transgender (LGBTQIA+) Persons Protection Cell.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Ms. Lakra shared details about the same.
PRIDE PLACE
Trans people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that they were assigned at birth, and they should be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else and be able to live and be respected, according to their gender identity.
However, trans people in the country often face serious discrimination and mistreatment at work, school, and in their families and communities. The stigma that the trans community faces leads to a lack of opportunities, and a cyclical form of exclusion from benefits and acceptance, ultimately resulting in their involvement in begging and sex work which seems like the only options left for them to earn and survive.
For the upliftment and protection of the community from antisocial elements of the society, Telangana State Police launched Pride Place in the Women Safety Wing, with a vision to ensure the safety and security of transgender people by ending violence against them in society.
PROTECTION CELL
The protection cell will operate under the supervision of the ADGP, Ms. Lakra of the Women Safety Wing. The officer will conduct regular reviews of the cell and bring improvements accordingly.
The cell will have a team comprising of six people, including a police inspector, a sub-inspector, two constables, a volunteer from the trans community, and a data entry operator. A legal expert will give consultancy services as and when required.
“The police personnel will be trained and sensitized on trans and LGBTQIA issues. They will network with different communities of trans people while helping the police in identifying the needs of those trans people affected by violence,” Ms. Lakra said.
OBJECTIVE OF THE CELL
Along with providing protection and security to transgenders, Pride Place will:
- Work for the prevention of crimes, monitor cases of offenses against transgender persons, and ensure timely registration, investigation, and prosecution of such offenses.
- Create awareness about the rights of trans people among the public and sensitize all stakeholders in the proper implementation of the transgender laws in the state.
- Create a one-stop solution for trans people by offering police and other services through networking and collaboration with other stakeholders.
- Create a free and secure passage for trans people in the public spaces and see that they can move freely.
- Create trans-inclusive workplaces in government departments and the private sector.
“We aim to work closely with the community towards building an inclusive society that is safe for everyone irrespective of their sex, gender, and sexuality,” said Ms. Lakra.
INAUGURATED BY THE DGP
Pride Place was inaugurated by the Director-General of Police, Telangana, Mr. Mahendar Reddy in Hyderabad, last week. On this occasion, the DGP released the logo and a booklet of Pride Place, containing details of the Standard Operating Procedures of the Cell.
“The cell will act as a one-stop solution for trans people in the State by offering police and other services through networking and collaboration with other stakeholders,” stated the DGP. Appreciating the initiative, he further added, “This cell will be historical and will go a long way in ensuring justice for the members of this community.”
Along with several officers and police personnel, Harshini Mekala, a transgender woman, has also been taken as a coordinator for Pride Place and will be responsible for taking the initiative forward and enabling queer community involvement.
Pride Place is a step in the right direction towards ensuring a better future for the transgender community of the country.
