DU Students’ Initiative To Reach Out To Trans Students During Admissions Is Commendable!

It is often said that the world is a bitter place to live in, but it seems the transformation from bitter to better is upon us and we couldn’t be happier. Yes, India is a country that though stumbling, is starting to find its footing, shirking stifling norms and customs and embracing the new with enthusiasm. It may have taken us 70 years to get here, we believe now is when the times are really changing.

One’s sexual preference and orientation is no longer the basis to qualify for something as basic as education. Back in 2015, we saw Delhi University introduce a third category in the gender type for students, but 3 years down the line, not a single person enrolled in the category.

The reason was self-explanatory. Once you conform to that third category, you become an immediate target for others to ridicule and pick on. Perhaps the social stigma surrounding such a move played on students’ minds. But in a bold and much needed effort, Delhi University will now sought to reach out to the students from the transgender community to convince them, and inculcate confidence in them to own up who they are but more importantly, give them access to education.

When questioned about the same, a professor from the university commented,”This year, we will reach out to them in their neighbourhoods. We have started looking for their addresses and will organise camps. We will try to give them admission related information and persuade them to join regular classes.”

As of now, the government only allows for a student to change his/her name in records after it has been amended in the school records. However, the court has directed the Delhi university along with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to discuss the possibility of allowing transgender students to change their name and gender in educational records.

It is about time that we empower each other, for we as a community, can be the biggest drivers of change. Such initiatives  create the kind of open dialogue the young blood of our generation needs.