The government of Tamil Nadu has released its State Policy for Transgender Persons, reaffirming its historical leadership in recognising gender-diverse lives. The policy is both expansive and aspirational, aiming to institutionalise dignity, non-discrimination, and socio-economic inclusion for transgender and intersex persons across the state. Unlike the narrower contours of the central legislation, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the Tamil Nadu policy charts a more intersectional and rights-affirming vision.

At its core, the policy upholds the right to self-identification and mandates all state agencies to respect a person’s self-declared gender identity without requiring surgical or medical intervention. It affirms that transgender and intersex persons are entitled to equality before the law and protection from discrimination in all spheres of life.

The policy spans a wide range of domains: education, employment, housing, health, legal recognition, protection from violence, and political participation. In education, it mandates anti-discrimination measures, the appointment of grievance redressal officers, and inclusion of gender diversity in curricula. Employment provisions require both public and private workplaces to ensure non-discriminatory hiring, sensitisation programmes, equal career progression, and redress mechanisms. The policy also encourages private employers to extend CSR support for the community.

In health care, the policy........

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