After the catastrophe of the Trans Bill 2019, here’s another shocker. The Noida Metro Rail Corporation recently announced the problematic renaming of the Sector 50 metro station as the ‘She Man’ station. Here, they cited their intent to “promote transgender rights” and “provide meaningful inclusion and participation”. Transgender rights advocates and members of the community responded with their disapproval of this insensitive move. Some even called for its revocation, until the NMRC eventually backtracked and issued a call for suggestions.

Earlier, trans women and queer rights activists like Rudrani Chettri and Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju had taken to social media to express their dissent. In a recent statement, Rudrani said that she was infuriated and that it was highly unlikely that the authorities had consulted with any stakeholders or members of the community. Another prominent queer activist, Dr Bittu, wants society to do away with such ‘token inclusivity’.

“It is one of many initiatives done in the name of the transgender community without actually listening to trans persons”

What’s In A Name, You Ask?

she man metro station

Image Source

Even with the promise of “special facilities and employment”, the disrespectful name overshadows the sense of goodwill. The term ‘she-man’ seemingly refers to intersex and trans identities interchangeably, making it a rather ignorant and derogatory slur. Contrary to the intent of “raising awareness and sensitisation”, this term confines trans existence within the regressive gender binary. And in doing so, it denies gender-fluid existence as a whole.

Moreover, trans people often face psychological trauma related to gender dysphoria. In this light, the term ‘she-man’ could be immensely triggering to their mental health and affect their general well-being.

We’ve often seen public and private organisations engage in performative activism and this appears to be no different. An overwhelming majority of the transgender community has been severely hit by the lockdown and is struggling to survive. The need of the hour is to go beyond such superficial measures and ensure their social security and access to basic resources.

As pride month draws to a close, we must be mindful of the long way that India is yet to traverse in order to become truly inclusive and respectful of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Related: Anwesh Sahoo x All About Eve: Growing Up Gay In India, Coming Out, And More

 

What’s your Reaction?
Love
0
Love
Smile
0
Smile
Haha
0
Haha
Sad
0
Sad
Star
0
Star
Weary
0
Weary

AfterHours With All About Eve | Know The Person Behind The Celebrity | Hosted By Bani G. Anand

From Smriti Irani’s hilarious stories of being arrested as Tulsi and entrepreneur Devita Saraf’s tips on how to win her over, to a fellow podcaster’s secrets on how to go viral, there’s a lot coming up!

AfterHours With All About Eve | Exciting Podcast Launching Soon! Ft. Bani G. Anand

Introducing “AfterHours with AAE” – a podcast that captures the untold stories of some of India’s most influential personalities.

‘Devi’, Nepotism, & Winning A Filmfare | Priyanka Banerjee | Bani Anand | AfterHours With AAE | Ep 7

Tune in for a riveting chat with filmmaker & writer Priyanka Banerjee and host Bani Anand as they talk about why nepotism works in Bollywood, the process…

How To Go Viral Like Dostcast | Vinamre Kasanaa | Bani Anand | AfterHours With AAE

Watch Dostcast’s Vinamre Kasanaa in a free-flowing chat with Bani G. Anand in the 6th episode of AfterHours with All About Eve.