Activists say more awareness needed on higher education scholarship for transpersons
The State government's move to cover higher education expenses for transpersons requires more awareness, trans rights activists said. This year, the Social Welfare Department has not received any standalone applications for the scholarship. According to sources in the department, 12 applicants from the Pudhumai Penn scheme, who were also eligible for the transpersons scholarship, were chosen.
The scholarship was launched last February to increase the enrolment of transpersons in collegiate education. Last year, five students from the trans community benefited from the scheme, officials said. The scheme covers every expenses related to education, including hostel, food, and tuition. Despite the government allocating ₹2 crore for the scheme to promote higher education among the trans community, applicants have been few and far between.
'This is usually the crucial age that transpersons left their homes to get surgery. They will require money to survive and save up for the surgery. Studies take a backseat,' said Sudha, a transgender activist who is a part of Sahodaran, a non-governmental organisation.
Rural outreach
Further, Ms. Sudha added that there needed to be more awareness regarding the scholarship. 'In villages, there are transpersons who are yet to hear of the scheme. The Social Welfare Department needs to hold awareness programmes in these areas to ensure that those interested can enrol,' she added.
She pointed out that due to the support of the State government, many universities offered full scholarship courses or ones at subsidised rates, which have been very beneficial for the community.
According to Fred Rogers (he/him), transgender rights activist, said though transmen were interested in the scholarship, many assumed that since the Government Order mentions 'Thirunangai', transmen would be turned away. However, officials in the department clarified that the scheme was applicable to all transpersons.
Further, Mr. Rogers added that the scheme required the applicant to possess a transperson identity card. 'Many transpersons who might be pursuing higher education would be scared to come out fearing backlash from the people around them. This leads to many not having an ID and, hence, not being able to avail themselves of the scholarship. A safe way to access the scheme would be more ideal,' he added.
Officials in the Social Welfare Department said that currently, the scheme covered only the first degree a transperson pursues. 'We are considering including other degrees including postgraduate courses and Ph.Ds to encourage them to study further,' the official added.
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