Denied Permission To Attend Independence Day Parade, Transgenders Hold Separate Function

Bhubaneswar: Denied permission to participate in the Independence Day parade in Bhubaneswar, a group of transgenders today held a separate function to celebrate the day amid cheers from people.

"Though the home department had allowed us to participate in the I-Day parade, we could not meet the required standards for the ceremony. Mostly due to continued rain and shortage of time, we could not get adequate training for the parade," said Menaka Kinnar, the president of the Transgender Surakshya Trust.

"We do not blame the state government. The home department had allowed us to participate. However, we could not meet the required standards and may participate in the ensuing Republic Day parade," said Pratap Kumar Sahoo, chairman of the trust.

Mr Sahoo took the salute at the function of the transgenders organised at the Nayapally Durga Puja Ground in Bhubaneswar.

"We have given a call to 'Kinnar Bachao and Kinnar Padhao'," Mr Sahoo said his speech.

Special secretary, home department, Lalit Das said the transgenders' contingent couldn't meet the minimum standard of participating in the parade.

"It's an important parade of the state and we can't allow any contingent that can't meet the standards. They need more training to take part in the event in future," said Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi.