Chennai: In a significant gesture of inclusion and solidarity, the Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore organized a Welfare Assistance Programme and Jubilee celebration for members of the transgender community at Santhome, Chennai, on December 11. The event brought together nearly 170 transgender persons from Chennai and Thiruvallur districts, creating a space of affirmation, dignity and shared celebration.
The programme was graced by Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras–Mylapore, along with Bishop Mar George Rajendran, Chairman of the Health Commission and Bishop of the Thakkalai Syro-Malabar Diocese. Several priests participated in the event, including Fr. Raymond, Fr. Paulraj, Fr. Devenesan, Fr. Peter Thumma and Fr. Jude, along with religious sisters coordinating the programme.
The Jubilee gathering began on a spiritual note with Pragathi, a member of the transgender community, proclaiming the Word of God, symbolizing the community’s active participation in the life of the Church. This was followed by an engaging session led by Fr. Raymond, who interacted warmly with participants through brief reflections, dialogue, music and movement, fostering a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
A cultural highlight of the programme was a Bharatanatyam performance by a transgender artist, set to a composition by Bharathiyar, which drew wide appreciation and underscored the richness of artistic expression within the community.
Delivering the welcome address, Inba, representing the transgender participants, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the welfare initiatives and moral support extended by the Archdiocese. She made special mention of the Archbishop’s personal concern and consistent encouragement, describing the event as a moment of dignity and recognition for the community.
A notable segment of the programme was the felicitation of transgender individuals who had recently joined the Home Guard, marking a historic step towards social inclusion and participation in public service. The recognition was received with pride and applause, reflecting broader aspirations for equality and opportunity.
In his Jubilee address, Archbishop George Antonysamy reflected on the Church’s commitment to the marginalized, linking the initiatives of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council Health Commission with the Gospel values of compassion and healing. He recalled that many of Christ’s miracles were acts of restoration for those pushed to the margins of society and assured the transgender community of the Archdiocese’s continued support through future welfare and empowerment programmes.
The event concluded with the distribution of welfare assistance to all participants, followed by expressions of gratitude from the transgender community to the organisers and dignitaries. A shared meal brought the Jubilee celebration to a warm and joyful close, reinforcing the message of acceptance, dignity and belonging.