National Transgender Awards 2023: Stepping Towards A Gender Inclusive World

The National Transgender Awards for 2023 honoured the people of the transgender community, who have worked extensively towards building a gender inclusive world for the people.

The second edition of the award show was organised by the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, and it was held as part of a day-long conclave, which witnessed leading voices from the transgender community.

Justice Arum Mishra, India Chairperson National Human Rights Commission India (NHRC) graced the event as the Chief Guest and honoured the change makers in the field of Trans inclusion for the year 2022. Other guests included Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, David Bridger, Country Director India, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), among others.

"National Transgender Awards is a medium to reach out to the people who have been working towards the cause of eradicating discrimination and recognise their efforts. I would like to confirm that Reckitt is on board for hosting another edition of the Transgender Awards. Besides, we are also looking at providing scholarships to the children of the community," Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar said.

David Bridger lauded the efforts made by India in terms of eradicating discrimination against the transgender people and making them a part of society. Despite the efforts, the challenge of ‘acceptance' and ‘equal access' in the healthcare sector remains. "The country has progressed, but a lot more needs to be done," he added.

The event also witnessed gracious performances by various artists, showcasing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Ardhanarishvara).

'It is important for transgenders to get equal opportunities and this only possible we uplift their status in our country," said Bhawani Valmiki, also known as Bhawani Maa.

The awardees who were a part of the event included Dr Vijay Nair, Activist On Human Rights, Anjali Gopalan, Activist, Founder, Naz Foundation Trust, Mohammed Asif, CEO of PLAN India, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Managing Director at Bharat Hotels Limited, Aruna Desai, Founding Member of Sweekar. The award was also presented to organisations that have been working towards making corporate workplaces more inclusive, such as TWEET Foundation, PLAN India, among others.