Mangalore :  The troubles and the sufferings of the transgender community came to the fore at a discussion programme organised  in Mangalore on November 24, Saturday  by the Zilla Mahila Vedike and Bethany Service Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramya, a member of the transgender community said the transgenders wished to live a life of dignity  by earning a livelihood instead of begging.

She recollected with pain how she ran away from home after  family members troubled her due to her physical appearance. She said she never returned since then even when her father passed away.

 Another member Sandhya said she had to discontinue education after second PUC owing to pressure.

She also pointed out that many men dress like transgenders and go begging and demanded ration cards and ID cards.

 Sr Mariola, Director of Jeevandhara Social Service Trust,  Veeresh of CARDTS, an NGO,

MB Sadashiva, Lion’s Club member and District President of the Janatha Dal (Secular), Ivan D’Souza, Congress leader, Jaya Shree, Head Constable, Pandeshwar Women’s Police Station, Shubha BS, Superior, Bethany, US Mohan Suvarna, Journalist, Suresh Bhat Bakrabail, activist, Choodamani of Mahila Vedike and others were present.