PANJIM: In a significant step towards inclusivity, the transgender community in the State exercised its franchise for the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday.
Madhu Gupta, a transgender from Santa Cruz, cast her vote for the first time.
“It is every person’s right to vote, and we are entitled to select the candidate of our choice as well. It has made us very happy to be included,” said Madhu, visibly excited about the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
According to reports, there were 12 transgenders – nine in North Goa and three in South Goa Parliamentary constituency, who were to cast their votes in the Lok Sabha election. The major cities of Margao, Vasco, Panjim, and Calangute have registered transgender voters on the electoral rolls.
While members of the transgender community have been participating in elections using their male-registered voter Identity Cards (IDs) in the past, this time, some of them cast their votes under their recognised identity, following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in 2014, which declared transgender individuals as the third gender.
“We feel proud as we have contributed towards the future. People should come out and vote in large numbers to shape the future of India,” Madhu added.
