International Transgender Visibility Day
Symbolic importance of 'Emagi Phanek' deliberated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 31 2022:
In observance of International Transgender Day of Visibility, transgender's state level apex body All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association (AMANA) organised an event titled 'Emagi phanek' to distribute 'phanek' to the Nupi Maanbi (transgender women) today.
The event was held at Solidarity and Action Against The HIV Infection in India (SAATHII), All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association (AMANA) and Eta office located at New Checkon.
It may be mentioned that the distributed phaneks have been worn by several mothers and collected via different allies.
Santa Khurai, secretary, AMANA, expressed the objective of 'Emagi phanek' stating that the phanek represents the consent and the willingness of those mothers who decided to give away the phanek to Nupi Maanbi.
It is also a symbol of encouragement and acceptance on the part of these mothers while for the Nupi Maanbis the phaneks represent courage, she added.
She also touched upon the violence and torture meted out to Nupi Maanbi including instances of public humiliation and physical attacks.
She claimed that the reason they are at the receiving end of such violence is because of their bodies and their sense of dressing which does not conform with long held societal norms.
In the face of such atrocities, women and all mothers in particular need to support and encourage the gender identity of Nupi Maanbi, she maintained.
She further stated that when Nupi Maanbis get support and blessing from all women and mothers, the state can bring out many ideal Nupi Maanbi.
'Emagi Phanek' aims to bring attention to the kinship between indigenous population of Manipur and the Nupi Maanbi community, she added.