For the first time in general elections, the transgender voters in the national Capital flaunted their inked fingers and expressed hope for a Government which ensures them a better future. This was the first time that transgenders were casting their votes under the category after Supreme Court had declared them as the “third gender” in 2014. Earlier they had to cast their votes as male or female.

According to Delhi Chief Electoral Officer, a total of 660 transgenders were eligible to cast their vote besides 78,49,947 male and 64,21,283 female voters. Standing in queue at Matia Mahal polling booth, Saniya Bai, a transgender said that it’s for the first time she had voted on her real identity. “I want a new Government which thinks about us and also consider us equally on their agenda,” said Saniya.

While 19 year-old Reshma who voted at a polling booth in Burari area said that she wants a government that will ensure a special toilet facility for transgender people not only in Delhi but all over the Country. “It is a progressive move that we have been identified as a third gender. While lot needs to be done for us, to begin with special toilets are a must for us,” she said.

“We have been neglected repeatedly by consecutive Governments for quite a long time. Our condition in the society is pathetic. We are still an outcast. People ridicule us and we are not even acknowledged. We have managed to secure this right after a long battle and will vote for the party which will work for our rights and for improving our condition,” said Kamini, who lives in Janakpuri.