Chennai Book Fair to introduce three trans authors

CHENNAI: Ajitha knew she had found a friend in words when she began replacing her tears with them every night, as memories of her estranged family or an unrequited love, raised a storm in her heart. She delved deep into books that spoke of resolute hope, and penned poetry of yearning and resilience.
Until she reached 125 poems, which have now found their way into her first ever published work, 'Oru Kalaiyin Kavithaigal'.Ajitha is among the three trans people whose books, published under Queer Publishing House - started by Dalit-transactivist Grace Banu's Trans Rights Now Collective (TRNC) - will be exhibited at the Chennai Book Fair held from January 16 to 22.
"I've began writing poetry a little after I left home on very difficult terms with my family in 2014. At times, I wake up at 2am with raging thoughts, flow them out onto my diary, and only then can I sleep peacefully," says Ajitha.
"This book is an expression of all my unfulfilled desires, and to think that they will be out for the world to see and know, is a blessing," says the 28-year-old transwoman who is doing her B.Ed Mathematics in Kovilpatti, and studying to become a police officer.
For the trans writers - all of whom are getting published for the first time - it isn't just cathartic to open their deepest angst and joy to the world, but a milestone as a community to be recognized at a platform like the book fair, which draws close to 15 lakh footfalls annually.
"Queer people often find their lived experiences denied or recognition hijacked when they approach traditional publishers," says Grace. "It became important to launch a publishing house that gave them and their allies validation and visibility. After much resistance and struggle, we finally made it into the book fair."
Besides Ajitha and another transwoman, Negha (also the proprietor of Queer Publishing House), 28-year-old Arun Karthick will be the only transman to have his book exhibited at the book fair.
After coming out to his family in 2017, Arun had to undergo two surgeries to transition, and change his name and gender in official documents - all without his family standing by him. In October 2021, he was appointed an unofficial member of the Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board.
"Besides giving me more motivation to work for the development of the transgender community, this makes me feel heard by the society at large, and that is my fuel to keep going," says Arun.
Queer Publishing House will be at stall number 28.