Jayasurya: Transphobia is inhumane and I will offer Sajana my full support

“How will we live in this world if we can’t be civil and let others live with dignity?” asks Jayasurya, explaining that he was distressed hearing what happened to biryani vendor Sajana Shaji, a transwoman, and her team, recently in Kochi.
A few days ago, Sajana, who had made news months ago for her lockdown survival efforts through roadside biryani sales, posted a live video on social media.In tears, she explained how a handful of people haven’t been letting her and her co-vendors work of late, how her police complaint on the same fell on deaf ears and the incident reduced her sales.
On Tuesday, Jayasurya announced that he will lend her support in setting up a biryani shop. The actor tells us, “Transphobia is inhumane. I will be offering Sajana all the support she needs to open a shop. My only wish is to inaugurate it.”
The actor, who won a State Award in 2018 playing a transwoman in Njan Marykutty, says he feels it’s time for him to give back to the transgender community. “Nature has given all of us space to live here. It’s each one’s right to live with dignity and liberty. In the pandemic era, we should embrace life with love for survival. So, it’s important to love and to be loved. Humanity comes first. It’s time we stop all discrimination,” he says.
Meanwhile, after her video post was shared widely, Sajana and friends have been busy at work. She tells us that earlier she used to make 200 biriyani packets on a Wednesday, but yesterday she made 350 and sold 300. “We made the other 50 to give them to the hungry. I am happy that I am receiving so much love and support. Jayasurya sir has asked me to find a space for my shop and we are planning to set one up at Edappally or Irumpanam,” she says.