Smt. Annu Tandon, raised the issue of eunuchs in Parliament
Before 2012, the rights and concerns of the transgender community had not been addressed in Parliament. Smt. Annu Tandon became the first MP to raise this issue, bringing national attention to their struggles. Her initiative, combined with the sustained efforts of Dr. Piyush Saxena, played a crucial role in advancing the cause. Their dedication and advocacy were instrumental in the eventual passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, a landmark legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of the transgender community in India.
Members of the transgender community during an election awareness drive
During the 2024 parliamentary elections, transgender members of the Unnao constituency not only turned out in large numbers to vote but also actively participated in election campaigns. They canvassed in areas such as Hasanganj, Safipur, Unnao city, and other parts of the constituency, encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote. Historically, Unnao has had a voter turnout below the national average, but this time saw a notable increase in voting percentage, thanks in part to the efforts of the transgender community in raising awareness and motivating people to come out and vote. Their participation played a significant role in boosting civic engagement in the region.
