Pride Month 2021 seems to be headed beyond performative activism and towards genuine inclusivity, and we’re all for it. In a landmark decision earlier this week, the Odisha Police allowed for the recruitment of transgender people in the police force. Two separate newspaper advertisements called upon men, women, and transgender people to apply for the posts of constables and sub-inspectors.

Odisha Police has announced the recruitment of 244 posts of Constable (Communication) in Signals Service. pic.twitter.com/sRmEsIrPAA

— Odisha Police (@odisha_police) June 12, 2021

Odisha Police has announced the recruitment of 477 posts of Sub- Inspector of Police. pic.twitter.com/GHTLYCjrLV

— Odisha Police (@odisha_police) June 12, 2021

Odisha’s Director General of Police, Officer Abhay also made an official announcement regarding the decision,

“I invite qualified women and men to join the Odisha Police as constables (communication) and SIs to serve the people of the state. Also, for the first time, people belonging to the transgender category can also apply for both the posts.”

One must note that Odisha is not the first state to begin recruitment of transgender people in the police. Back in March 2021, Chhattisgarh police had hired 13 transgender people as constables. And in January 2021, the Bihar government had given a nod to the recruitment of transgenders in the state police. Even Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu have been known to be inclusive of the transgender community in terms of police hiring.

What the transgender community had to say

Historically, the trans and queer community, as a whole, has had to struggle for equitable access to jobs and resources. And hence, seeing Odisha follow through with this decision is indeed a victory for the trans community in India.

Transgender collectives Odisha Kinner and Third Gender Mahasangh wholeheartedly welcomed the decision and expressed their gratitude towards the Odisha Police.

“For the first time, a public advertisement has been issued seeking application from transgender people in government jobs in the state. Including the transgender people in the force will not only boost the confidence of the community but also change the society’s perception towards transgender people,” said Pratap Kumar Sahu, the founder-president of the Third Gender Mahasangh. He also requested the chief minister to allow for some relaxations in physical fitness evaluations for trans applicants.

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Trans activist and chairperson of the All-Odisha Transgender Welfare Association, Meera Parida also spoke up in gratitude and appreciation. “We thank the Chief Minister and Home Department for taking this decision towards gender equality and the development of the transgender community. This step will not only boost their confidence but will also change the perception of the society towards transgender persons,” she said.

Others took to Twitter to celebrate

Soon after the announcement was made public, praise and appreciation poured in from citizens across the country.

Waiting to welcome transgenders as co-workers. Proud of @odisha_police for this path breaking decision 🌈 https://t.co/lQdS0pme9k

— Arun Bothra 🇮🇳 (@arunbothra) June 13, 2021

It’s such a fantastic news! I am so happy. Pls convey my love and respect to everyone involved in this decision Sir @arunbothra ♥️🙏🏼

— Swastika Mukherjee (@swastika24) June 13, 2021

Commendable 👏 👏
Hoping to see soon such a sort of positive and progressive development in our Indian Army too 🇮🇳

— Shekhar Azad (@shekhu024_) June 13, 2021

It’s a path breaking decesion by our very own @odisha_police . This needs to be highlighted and appreciated all-around. Hope other sectors will take motivation from this and help our transgender community to be part of main Society. Hope!!!
No Caste No Religion #NOGENDER.

— Shreedeb Shekhar Nanda 🇮🇳 (@I_m_Shree16) June 13, 2021

One of the best reforms in police. Looking forward for their service. Best of luck @odisha_police

— Abhishek (@david_5777) June 13, 2021

#Transgenders have the same right to live, work, and be happy.@odisha_police acts. Good move!#PositivePolicinghttps://t.co/41cVpIsYha via @indiatoday

— Dr. Hanif Qureshi IPS (@DrHanifQ) June 14, 2021

Very good decision. It’s time we gave them their rightful place in society. Every human being must be given a fair chance irrespective of any caste, community and gender

— Bindu (@nairbindu606) June 12, 2021

Unbiased recruitment of transgender people and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Indian workforce is extremely crucial. More opportunities like these will go a long way in easing the community’s financial struggles and shall allow them to lead a fulfilling life with dignity. And needless to say, inclusive hiring across the public and private sectors will also boost the economy significantly.

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