Chennai transgenders learning karate for self-defence

Chennai, Oct. 28 (ANI): Many transgenders in Chennai are undergoing karate training to improve their self-confidence and health so that they can land a good job.

In the six-day training session apart from karate, transgenders are also undergo other kinds of physical strength exercise like yoga, meditation and a personality development session.

Under the programme, 'The Kara' Gender Capsule', some 100 odd members of transgender community are being trained by Reshma Sharma, a qualified instructor.

"This is just not karate or meditation or yoga. This is a complete rehabilitation camp. Out of 100 people who have undergone training, we are getting jobs for ten people. They are going to be appointed as security officers in four five-star hotels and six corporate organisations," Sharma said.

"The training was just part of it, preparing them to face the jobs ahead since they are not used to doing working. They are used to doing only begging and sex work. So, this is a compete rehabilitation programme. I hope it will bring in a lot of change in not only this group but a lot of transgenders," she added.

Transgenders undergoing the training say it will help them lead a better and respectable life in society.

"We (transgenders) face a lot of problems. We are not doing any kind of jobs despite being educated. A number of transgenders are involved in sex work, driven by their circumstances. At times, we are attacked by violent and rowdy people, this karate training will help us to defend ourselves," said Selvi, a transgender undergoing the karate training.

The training is jointly organized by Dojo Chakra and Mythri Educational and Charitable Trust with the assistance of the Tamil adu Aids Control Society and the G7 Group of companies. (ANI)