In search of an even-playing field

Transwomen bull-owners in Madurai seek proper representation in jallikattu events for inclusivity and recognition.

On January 11, 2023, ahead of the major jallikattu events at Avaniapuram, Palamedu, and Alanganallur that mark the Pongal season in Madurai district, a group of transwomen bull-owners gathered at the Madurai Collectorate. They were there to submit a petition to the district administration seeking proper representation in the jallikattu, thus making it a more inclusive sport. They felt that they were getting minimal representation.

G. Keerthana of Pottapanaiyur near Madurai was among those who had visited the Collectorate that day to urge the government to consider their point of view. Also known as Naan Kadavul Keerthana (after she starred in the film), she said it was an uphill task to receive tokens for their bulls to take part in the jallikattu events.

The passion for the sport should be given due recognition, since everyone puts in an equal amount of hard work and trains the bulls for the events, she said.

Two years later, Ms. Keerthana says there has been some change, but much more needs to be done. Every year, issues keep cropping up in the distribution of the tokens, thus limiting the representation of transpersons.

On January 16, sitting by the window on the second floor of her friend’s house at Alanganallur, Ms. Keerthana was all nerves as she watched her bull charge out of Vaadivasal (the space through which the bulls enter the arena). An announcement had been made that it was Ms. Keerthana’s bull. The bull-tamers in the arena were unable to tame it, and soon, amid loud cheering from the crowd, the bull had emerged triumphant.

Recalling the first time she released the bull in the very same arena about seven years ago, she says that she broke down when her name was announced. She says she felt a great sense of pride when her name was announced and she released the bull. The icing on the cake was that the bull won.

These victories were a testament to the fact that a bull well trained by anyone — be it a man, woman, or transperson — can win. However, it was not just about winning or losing. Participating in jallikattu and releasing the bull in the arena were more important to her.