New Delhi: Transgenders are being counted for the first time ever in a separate category in the 2011 Census, dubbed as an "empowering" step by the marginalised community which finally sees itself being recognised as part of citizenry.
Transgenders' addition in the Census process in the 'others' category is hailed by the community members and activists as a recognition which, they hope, will inch the "faceless people" closer to other basic rights like voting and crimes against them being registered.
"This is a leap forward for us. Till now we were unknown people... now, we will have some status in our own country," said Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, an activist of international repute who works for the community through her campaign group 'Astitva'.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, January 09, 2011, 13:09