Inaugurated on Friday at the Bhagidari Bhawan, the premier transgender cultural and literary celebration in Uttar Pradesh marked a significant milestone. The ‘Transgender Sahityik Evam Sanskritik Samaroh’ 2024, orchestrated by the social welfare department in conjunction with the Suramya Foundation, unfolded as a day-long extravaganza. Literary colloquiums, mesmerizing dance and music spectacles, and more graced the event.
This unprecedented gathering metamorphosed into a crucible for the interchange of insights into the transgender community and the literary contributions emanating from its members. Pioneers in the transgender realm, encompassing filmmakers and social activists, graced the occasion to articulate their tribulations in their respective domains.
Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, a luminary from the Kinnar community, renowned for her activism in transgender rights, accomplished acting, and Bharatnatyam prowess in Mumbai, held the mantle of chief guest. Alongside Tripathi, Asim Arun, the social welfare minister, stood as an eminent guest, inaugurating the ceremony.
In his discourse, Arun underscored the pivotal role of such gatherings in showcasing the latent talents embedded within the Lucknow transgender community. He articulated, “Our endeavor is to secure a dignified standing for the transgender community in society, enabling them to actively contribute to their own and the nation’s development.”
Throughout the program, various orators delved into the intricacies of obtaining transgender identity cards, the perilous and unmonitored landscape of sex reassignment surgeries, and other facets emblematic of the societal prejudices encountered by the community.
Prominent figures from the transgender echelons, including Sonam Chishti, the vice-chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board, Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri, Priyanka Raghuvanshi, Aryan Pasha, Devika Devendra S Mangalamukhi, and other board members, alongside dignitaries from the Samaj Kalyan Vibhag—principal secretary of social welfare Dr. Hariom and director of social welfare Kumar Prashant—were in attendance.
Eminent discussions of societal pertinence seamlessly intertwined with an array of cultural performances, spanning dance, music, and poetry. Notwithstanding, it was the miniature fashion presentation that resonated most, drawing resounding applause.
Models hailing from the city’s transgender community strutted the catwalk adorned in avant-garde ensembles crafted by students from Amity College. Adorned in Indo-fusion garb, these models confidently graced the runway, radiating elegance and poise.