Murshidabad man starts toll-free number to help transgenders

MURSHIDABAD: Motiur Rahman is a transgender supporter from Karnasuvarna, Murshidabad. Though not a transgender himself, but Motiur strives to help out the community whenever situation arises.
Motiur works for an audit firm to earn his living and his job requires travelling frequently. Despite his busy schedule, he does his bit to earn the transgenders an identity in the society.
Recently, Bhim Singh, a class IX student and member of the transgender community, faced mental torture while attending his school.His classmates used to abuse him for his feminine attributes and drove the boy into depression. Due to all of this, Bhim started bunking classes.
After some time, Bhim contacted Motiur through a common friend and told him all about the situation. Motiur made efforts to contact the school authorities. Motiur said, "Bhim studies in a school at a remote village. The people there are orthodox and see transgenders as a social menace. Reckoning this fact, we had to make our moves cautiously."
Just adjacent to Bhim's school was Lalgola Rahamatullah High Madrassa. The headmaster turned out to be an acquaintance of Motiur and with his help, they managed to convince the head master of Manickchowk High Madrassa Mr Mestahul Baij about the crisis. They explained to him that the boy's attitude is natural and he shouldn't be discriminated against.
Motiur further stated, "Mr. Baij confirmed that the students were cautioned not to disturb Bhim in the class. He declared that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against the abusers. Since then nobody has bullied Bhim who is continuing attending the classes regularly again."
When contacted, Bhim said over the phone, "I was afraid to go to school and couldn't report this to my parents as they wouldn't understand. My father works as a mason in Kolkata and it would have been impossible for me to attend classes had it not been the earnest attempts of Motiur dada."
To help the transgender community, Motiur has started a toll-free phone number. This is the first attempt of its type to help the community.
According to Motiur, an average of 40-50 calls are received every day since the number started functioning.
Transgenders often fall preys to insecure sexual relations which can also lead to AIDS. To spread awareness, Motiur also conducts health check-up camps and widespread campaigns throughout Murshidabad district.
Read the story in Bengali