Now, we belong: Uniform opens doors to acceptance for transgenders in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: From seeking alms at traffic signals to manning traffic at the same intersections, life has come a full circle for Swathi, Bhanupriya and T Nisha, who were among the 39 transgender persons selected as traffic assistants by the Hyderabad traffic police in Dec 2024.More than a year into the pilot project, the recruits say the biggest change they have seen is not just public acceptance alone, but also a growing sense of self-respect and belonging — be it on the roads, within the police system, or at home.
Swathi, attached to Chandrayangutta traffic police station, said being addressed ‘madam' by motorists fills her with pride. "The uniform has given me dignity. People who mocked me earlier now speak with respect. The stares are gone, now I feel normal," said the 26-year-old from Suryapet, who regulates traffic at the ever-busy Midhani junction. The road to success was anything but easy though. Forced to leave home after revealing her gender identity, Swathi fought all odds to complete her Intermediate. She then underwent a gender-affirming surgery in Mumbai with the help of the transgender community. With no employment options, Swathi returned to the only livelihood available: seeking alms. However, a govt notification in Sept 2024 on recruitment of traffic assistants proved to be a turning point. Since then, there has been no looking back.Signs of acceptanceBhanupriya, who is attached to Santosh Nagar traffic PS, narrates a story similar to most of her peers. Afraid to reveal her gender identity, the Karimnagar native boarded a bus to Hyderabad. Unsure of what lay ahead, she spent three days at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station. Later, she travelled to Vijayawada for surgery, and eventually turned to begging to survive. "Earlier, we were only surviving. Now, we belong," said Bhanupriya.The change on ground is visible in everyday interactions, said T Nisha, who joined the traffic wing after completing her BTech. "Earlier, at traffic signals, people treated us badly. Now, with this uniform, they give us respect. In traffic, the public observes everything, our behaviour, how we conduct ourselves. The respect comes from how we do our duty," she added. The change is not just on ground. For many recruits, the uniform has also helped reconnect with their families and friends, who had earlier shunned them and cut off contact. "The job has made conversations easier and visits home possible again," said Swathi. "While acceptance has not come overnight, the badge and routine have slowly rebuilt trust within our families." Over the past year, they have also learnt how to tackle challenges on the job. Harassment from motoristsOn stray occasions, the traffic assistants have faced verbal abuse or indecent behaviour from motorists. Nisha, attached to the Mahankali traffic police station, said the challenge is not unique to them. "When we challan violators or take photos, some of them taunt or threaten us," Bhanupriya. "There were cases when some threatened and mocked me. However, those taunts don't deter me from doing my duty. Whenever we face such issues, senior officers step in." Pulla Reddy, a pan shop owner near the Champapet signal, said: "In the beginning, it felt different to see transgender persons manning traffic signals, but now it doesn't even register. They do their duty firmly, and motorists listen. Uniform makes a difference."AbsenteeismLike any new induction, the first year involved adjustments, including instances of absenteeism linked to health issues, personal transitions and adapting to structured shifts, said an official, who wished to remain anonymous. Attendance, he added, has improved over time. Hyderabad joint commissioner of police (traffic) D Joel Davis said the recruits have effectively supported traffic regulation and enforcement. On instances of misbehaviour, he said motorists objecting to challans is a routine challenge faced by all traffic personnel, adding that nearby inspectors or SIs step in to ensure things don't go out of hand. Davis said the department takes a humanitarian approach on instances of absenteeism, as the traffic assistants have undergone gender-affirming surgeries and are in post-operative recovery, which can involve medical complications. "Treating attendance as a purely disciplinary issue serves no purpose," he said, adding that while no action is taken, the period is treated on a ‘no work, no pay' basis.Plans AheadWith their new job opening up avenues, Swathi and Bhanupriya are now pursuing educational degrees through open universities, and aspire to become a sub-inspector and govt employee. Nisha also aims to rise in the uniformed force. However, they seek institutional backing for this initiative to be truly affirmative. Transgender rights activists back the demand, stating temporary employment will not lead to long-term change. "Whatever it is, it should be permanent. One-time assistance pushes transgender persons back to begging once support ends," said Chandramukhi Muvvala, a transgender rights activist. "Not just policing, transgender persons must have representation across all govt departments. Visibility in routine public roles is key for public acceptance."