Hope For Humanity - Trans Women In Chennai Serve Free Food Amid COVID Pandemic

The Trans women in Chennai have stepped up in the midst of the COVID pandemic. The Trans Community Kitchen helps people stranded on the road without access to free or affordable food, as per a report in The New Indian Express.

12 trans women work the kitchen and are putting their best foot forward to help.

Srijith, Aruvi, Anish, and Sharan Karthik began the initiative.

TNIE

"Since the first lockdown that came into effect last year, a bunch of us have been collecting and pooling in funds to support the members of the LGBT community. It was during one such time when I stumbled upon a few pavement dwellers who were massively hit because of the lockdown and its repercussions. They were struggling for even a glass of water. It dawned on me then that the last thing humans should die of is hunger. With a few like-minded friends and dedicated trans women, we kicked off this community kitchen on April 25 with a trial run," said Srijith.

Shankari, Priya Ezhumalai, Bobby, Sowmiya, Sowndharya Gopi, Rupakala Vedachalam, Ramya, Mageshwari Elumalai, Preethi Ganapathi, Sandhiya and Maya work the kitchen.

IE

"I have known all of them for a long time. They are all service-minded and have contributed their bit for society at different points in time. What brought them together was their eagerness to give their love to those who needed it the most, with a skill they have mastered over the years cooking," Srijith added.

"Our work begins at 4.30 am and we wind up by 9 pm. The team takes turns delivering food in the morning, noon and night. We¡¯ve given them our scooters so they cover a larger distance in less time. Upon returning, they take a shower, wear a fresh set of protective gear and only then prepare the next meal," Srijith went on to say.

They are planning to expand and that is good news as Chennai, like the rest of India, continues to battle the 2nd wave of COVID.