Bangalore:
In what could be the country's first, a transgender in Bangalore has got a driving license. After the landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in April this year, that transgender be identified as the third gender, Akkai Padmashali, 31, applied for a learners driving license.
"At the time of applying, I did not think that the attitude would so dramatically change and people would be aware of the Supreme Court judgment. I have earlier applied for a passport and went through such a struggle. I had to apply as female, and then was asked inhuman questions," she said.
"But this time when I went to the RTO for a license to drive, I did not face any discrimination. I did not face humiliation. No one laughed at me when I filled up a form. It was not embarrassing for me. It was equal between the officials and the rest of the public. The self confidence that has built within me since is worth it," Ms Padmashali added.
The order also said all identity documents; including birth certificate, passport and driving license would recognize the third gender, along with male and female.
Transgender activist Akkai says this is only the first step to freedom for the community. "The good thing was that I was confident of moving around the offices and getting the things done easily. We were almost barred from getting most identity proofs. We need our space in the society. More importantly the respect we deserve as another human being," she added.
(Akkai preferred to be referred to as a female)