SC verdict delights transgender in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: India became first country to recognize transgender as the third gender on Tuesday. The Supreme Court judgment has brought not only joy to the community but also a sense of self-respect in them.
"Recognition of transgender as the third gender is not just a social or medical issue but a human rights issue as well," Justice K S Radhakrishnan said while handing down the ruling.Transgenders residing in the city welcomed the judgment which now gives them same rights as men and women. Payal, who runs a gym in the city, was elated when she saw the news on television. Distributing sweets among the community and others, she expressed happiness over the ruling and spoke on how important this judgment is for them. "We are happy and have been distributing sweets to everyone as this day is a landmark for the country for finally giving us equal opportunity in the society," she said.
"Now, not only we have the right to education but also to employment opportunities. So far, we were discriminated against but not anymore. My dream has finally come true as the future looks positive and bright even for those who'll be born transgender in future," she added.
"Transgender are equal citizens of the country and entitled to education and all other rights," said Radhakrishnan, who headed a two-judge bench with Justice A K Sikri on the case. Moreover, the court has also directed state and federal governments to identify transgender as a neutral third gender who should be endowed access to the same welfare schemes as other minority groups in the country.
Meanwhile, the two-judge bench also said "discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, therefore, impairs equality before law and equal protection of law and violates Article 14 of the Constitution of India."
Historian and gay studies scholar Saleem Kidwai welcomed the judgment as "progressive and it is what one should expect from a Supreme Court. Now, the SC has returned their right to equality which was taken away from them earlier."