Transgender Day of Visibility observed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 31 2022:
All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association (AMANA) observed the Transgender Day of Visibility as 'Eemagi Phanek' at its office premises located at New Checkon here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, AMANA secretary Shanta Khurai explained that the event has been organised in a symbolic way to present phanek (wraparound) worn by women (mothers) to transgender as a mark of accepting them and their identity.
It symbolises how a transgender person feels when accepting her nature and wearing Phanek.
They get their inspiration of their gender from their mothers and wearing a phanek is the most important moment in the life of a transgender person, she said.
In the culture and tradition of the state, phanek worn by mother at the time of birth is often associated with courage and protection.
The transgender people find it difficult to come out and wear Phanek as their attire while most of their mothers are also unwilling to allow their transgender children to wear one, she said, while adding that the event will encourage many such people to come out and accept their identity.
Phanek worn by women, who have attained motherhood, were presented to some transgender people, who attended the programme.
All Transmen Association Manipur (ATMA) also observed the day at the Keishamthong Hodam Leirak residence of its founder president Diana Potshangbam.
CCSK president Jeetendra Ningomba, 69th battalion CRPF Mantripukhri medical officer Dr P Premlata and Dis -trict Legal Services Authority, Imphal West secretary Moirangthem Heeralata attended the programme as the presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, Heeralata recalled about origin of the day as a mark of recognising transgender people in 2009 .
Diana said that ATMA was founded with a long term vision to encourage and support transmen in the society.