Ranchi, February 16 In a pioneering initiative in Jharkhand, a cafe exclusively run by members of the transgender community is set to open in the Ramgarh district, an official said on Monday.
Named 'TransCafe', the outlet will operate from the district collectorate park and be managed by a group of 10 transgender individuals, he said.
The cafe will be inaugurated on Tuesday, Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz told PTI.
"This unique initiative was undertaken with the objective of integrating community members into mainstream society and providing them with respectable livelihoods," Mumtaz said.
He said a self-help group (SHG) named 'Kinnar Utthan Samiti' has been formed in the district and it will operate the cafe. Initially, tea, coffee, snacks, and other light refreshments will be served to visitors, with plans to gradually expand the menu.
Mumtaz said this will be the first cafe in Jharkhand to be operated entirely by members of the transgender community.
'Kinnar Utthan Samiti' president Himanshi Pradhan said the initiative offers more than just employment – it provides a space for visibility and interaction.
"People have different perspectives towards transgender individuals. But besides dancing and singing, we can efficiently perform other mainstream tasks if given the opportunity. This cafe will provide that opportunity," Pradhan told PTI.
Pradhan said the cafe would also help change children's perception of transgender individuals.
"Children generally have limited interaction with the transgender community, as they are often scared of us. Now, they will have regular interaction, which will help change their views," the SHG president said.
Mumtaz said there are approximately 50 transgender individuals in the district, and several initiatives are being undertaken to support them.
"Various initiatives are being taken to integrate them into mainstream society so that they can lead respectful lives," he said.
A beautician training program for community members has been launched from Monday, with experts providing guidance at their homes to help them start their own ventures.
The district administration has also started a special OPD (Outpatient Department) for the transgender community at the Sadar hospital every Saturday.
In addition, three exclusive public toilets for transgender individuals were opened on Friday at the district collectorate park, Sadar hospital, and a bus stand, the DC added.