This Indian state is introducing 'g-taxis' to make sure transgender people have safe transportation
LatestThe South Indian state of Kerala is introducing taxis specifically aimed at providing safe transportation for transgender residents.
The state is calling the new initiative “G-Taxi,” the next wave after introducing She-Taxi, a fleet of cabs run by and for women. The G-Taxis will be owned and operated by transgender Keralans, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reports.
Last November, Kerala’s state minister for social justice, M K Muneer, announced a new Transgender Policy, which detailed a plan to protect trans people from discrimination and provide them with equal opportunity in housing, education, and employment. Indian Express wrote at the time:
It also ensures them equal access to social and economic opportunities, resources and services, right to equal treatment under the law, right to live life without violence and equitable right in all decision making bodies. It also recommends the setting up of a TG Justice Board with state Minister for Social Justice as its chairperson.
“We have unveiled the transgender policy with an aim to improve the life and living conditions of TG community,” Muneer told the PTI. “The G-Taxi is the first major step as part of the implementation of the TG Policy.”
Kerala has already set a precedent for trans rights in India: last October, a prison in the state became the first to begin building separate transgender cell blocks, aimed at protecting trans inmates’ privacy and human rights.
In 2014, the Indian Supreme Court issued a judgement recognizing a “third gender,” meaning trans Indians can identify on official documents as third gender instead of male or female. The decision also required trans Indians to be given greater access to education, social welfare, and employment opportunities. Kerala has been the most pro-active state to make changes since the ruling.