Participants at the ‘3rd National Trans Employment Mela’ in Delhi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Several participants at the ‘3rd National Trans Employment Mela’ in Delhi on Wednesday said they had suffered harassment at their previous offices and that they were hoping to secure employment at a place where they are allowed to work without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
The job fair, organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with two private entities, aims to introduce transgender persons and non-binary individuals to firms that are sensitised to the infrastructural requirements and policies related to transgender people.
Aarav Tawar, 26, said, “I was forced to leave my previous job in six months as I faced discrimination and harassment due to my appearance. The fact that I was qualified did not matter as the company was non-inclusive and insensitive, and the six months I worked there were horrible.”
Zain Khan, 25, another applicant, said, “At my previous workplace, I hid my identity to avoid facing problems. Now I’m hoping to find a job where I can grow professionally.”
Anshul, 29, hoped to find a job in a company that provides better health insurance facilities.
Pushkar, 40, vice-president (human resources) at HDFC Bank, one of the recruiters, said that hiring transgender persons “needs adjustments from both sides”.
“Giving a job [to a transgender person] is easier, sustaining it is the challenge. It requires a gradual adjustment from both sides. The bigger challenge is creating the physical infrastructure such as separate washrooms and gender-neutral policies. So, initially, the candidates begin by working from home, and then move to the physical workplace, which gives ample time for both sides to adjust,” he said.
[Written by P. Vijaya Ramanathan]
Published – June 19, 2025 01:27 am IST