Although its 21st century, transgenders, even today do not have a say or equal respect in the society. Often, they struggle to get a job but to no avail. Also, it has been observed that a lot of transgenders have a habit of smoking or habit of consuming tobacco-related products.
However, there are five such transgenders who gave up their tobacco chewing habit and instead became the example to raise awareness against tobacco-related products. On the occasion of World Tobacco Day, these five transgenders were felicitated by the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) in ‘Say no to tobacco and yes to life’ programme.
Vikram Shinde, Monika Kamble, Priya Patil, Madhuri Sarode and Mahi Gupta were felicitated by the actors Vivek Oberoi, Anupam Kher, Neha Bhasin, and Priya Dutt.
Every transgender is not a sex-worker but due to certain situations, we have to take such steps. But those who are educated, people should treat such transgenders as a human being and should not demean them,” Vikram Shinde, transgender.
Every year, CPAA and World Health Organisation organise programmes on World Tobacco Day and felicitates people who quit chewing tobacco. Last year, CPAA felicitated five policemen who successfully quit chewing tobacco and this year five transgenders were felicitated.
Those who say that transgenders can’t lead a family, I can prove an exception. Despite my orientation, I got married to a man and today we are leading a good and healthy life,” Madhuri Surase.
Meanwhile, Tata Memorial Hospital doctor Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi said that these five transgenders will get a free treatment.
I was shocked to hear that chewing tobacco habit is growing day by day. I believe we all should stand and fight for it. I feel so proud that I don’t consume tobacco and I am going to help with all means,” Vivek Oberoi, CPAA brand ambassador.
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