Indian state asks colleges to build separate toilets for transgender students

In a significant step, the government in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal has asked all colleges run and aided by the government to construct separate toilets for transgender students.

“I’ve always had trouble using the girls’ toilet. This is a big step. When I took admission, there was no option for the ‘third gender. Hence, I had to enroll as a female," a student told reporters. 

However, several college principals feel that the plan is difficult to implement because of a shortage of space and the fear that transgender students could be identified and ragged. 

The announcement comes two years after the Supreme Court formally recognised transgender people as the third gender. In the landmark judgement in 2014, the court also noted their economic and social marginalisation, and asked the state governments to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward. This included providing medical facilities and constructing special toilets for them. 

2015 was a year of several firsts for India's transgender population. West Bengal appointed the country's first transgender college principal, Manabi Bandyopadhyay, who took charge of the Krishnanagar Women's College. Last year, India also got its first transgender mayor and its first transgender police officer.

However earlier this year, a survey had revealed that transgender individuals in Mumbai still faced difficulties in accessing public toilets, making them prone to medical ailments. 

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.