A batch of transgenders out to make lives ‘beautiful’ in Visakhapatnam

In a bid to overcome stigma and denial of employment despite having educational qualifications, a group of trans-individuals undergo beautician training provided by government in the hope of building a career for themselves

Like many youngsters, 23-year-old B. Keerthi completed her graduation in 2022 with the hope of getting a decent job with a good pay so that she could take proper care of her family. Her dreams, however, evaporated quickly as no company was willing to give her a placement as she is a transgender.

And she was being pushed into a sense of despair when, in the mid-2022, hope bloomed again in the form of Aspire, a skill development programme launched exclusively for transgenders at Voluntary Health Services – Transgenders Integrated One Stop Centre (OSC) near Jagadamba Junction in the city.

“When I learnt about a three-month beautician course at OSC, I felt that I should take it as it may help me sustain till I get a good job in future. Now, after completing the course, I feel very confident that I can have a good future with the skills I have learnt,” says Keerthi.

A batch of around 20 trans-individuals have completed the course provided by the Department of Welfare of Differently-abled, Transgenders and Senior Citizens at the OSC. NGO Jan Shikshan Sansthan has trained them in various techniques of beauty treatment such as threading, waxing, pedicure, manicure, haircut, and facials.

Her batchmate G. Chaitra of Bobbili also has a similar tale to narrate. Her B.Tech qualification from a college in Vizianagaram failed to get her a software job despite repeated attempts for two years.

“Some companies do not see our work. They see what we are. I was rejected by many companies. When I was preparing for competitive examinations, I came to know about the beautician course and have completed it successfully. It was a proud moment receiving the certificate from the Collector,” she says.

Another student Sukanya feels the government should come up with a few more skill-oriented programmes like stitching, which will allow them to work from home.