Health Minister boosts morale of transgenders with...
'Be proud of who you are'
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, December 01 2022:
Calling for an end to stigmatisation and discrimination against transgenders, Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan said the community should feel proud of who they are.
The Minister said this while addressing a gathering at World AIDS Day observance held at Transgender Health and Wellness Centre, Porompat, Imphal East today.
The event was jointly organised by Transgender Health and Wellness Centre, SASO and PATH.
"We should feel proud of who we are.
Transgender community should not feel disappointed.
Transgenders should look beyond the stigma and not fall victims to negative comments.
You should feel proud of who you are," Dr Sapam Ranjan said.
Instead of feeling disappointed and falling victim to negative comments, the community should focus on positivity and diversify their fields through their talents, he said.
There have been positive changes in the society and their status as transgenders has improved during the past few years.
It is a transition period, he added.
He maintained that the Government has been taking up measures for the welfare of transgenders in the State.
Like others they are enjoying the benefits of health schemes initiated by the Government.
Their grievances will be addressed on priority basis.
Mental and physical abuse against transgenders should be stopped.
Measures for their mental wellbeing will be taken up.
Departments concerned like Social Welfare will also be consulted for toe welfare of toe transgenders, he said.
On HIV/AIDS, Dr Sapam Ranjan said a united effort is required to fight against drugs and toe disease.
Raising awareness is key and toe efforts and roles of NGOs and voluntary organizations in this regard is worth appreciation, toe Minister added.
Medical Superintendent of JNIMS Dr Lokeshwar Singh, Deputy Commissioner Imphal East Kh Diana Devi, Joint Director (TI) MACS Dr Abhiram Mongjam also attended toe observance as president and guests of honour respectively.