Transgender Model Representing India At A Beauty Pageant Beaten Up By Minister’s Security

Transgenders in our country, to this day, have to endure discrimination on a regular basis. They are disrespected and possess limited employment opportunities. However, in Manipur, transgenders have found opportunities in Shumang Leela, an art form in which female roles are played by men.

Bishesh Huirem, a Shumang Leela transgender actor who will be representing India at the Miss International Beauty Pageant, was recently beaten up by the security team of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Moirangthem Okendro.

Due to the severity of her injuries, Huirem’s doctor advised her not to perform Shumang Leela for a few days.

The security team beat up Huirem and a friend in the Yasikul area of Imphal on Monday night, because of a petty argument regarding the right of way in a narrow lane. Due to her injuries, she lost consciousness in the middle of one of her performances. 

“I felt dizzy while performing but I somehow managed to act for a few minutes before losing consciousness.”

On top of it all, the minister did not even attempt to intervene as his security team ruthlessly beat up Huirem.

Is this the treatment transgenders in our country deserve? I don’t think so.  

News Source: The North East Today

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