Transgenders, sex workers continue to face discrimination: Akkai Padmashali

NT Correspondent

 Bengaluru

Transgender activist Akkai Padmashali has said that the society attitude towards transgender people and sex workers has changed, but still a lot more needs to be done.

She was speaking at an event organised by Ragi Kana Santhe to mark the National Handloom Day on Sunday

“Society’s attitude towards transgender people and sex workers has changed over the years.A decade back, people won’t even touch us. But now, society has finally started accepting us. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t  face discrimination. We are continuously neglected and humiliated in public places, and our concerns are not given importance,” said Padmashali

She also added that every person should have the right to live with dignity. The event also invited acid attack victims, burn-affected victims, transgender people and sex workers to speak about their struggles.

A handloom show was organised during the event, with a wide variety of stalls selling handmade garments, seasonal fruits, vegetables and groceries from all over India. One of the artisans, Sridhar, who was present at the event, said, “We sell handmade wood crafts from all over India. Events like these help us to show our craft to the world. It also benefits business,” he said.

Weaver societies and collectives from across the country showcased their exquisite handloom products for the Handloom Day. DESI, Indu Silks and Sarees, Janapada Khadi, KASKOM, Khana Weaves, Srushti Handloom and Udupi Sarees were some of the featured handmade fabrics and garments