Mysuru: Ashodaya Samithi has urged the Government to recognise transgenders for all benefits so as to get a social status.

Addressing a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here yesterday, Samithi Co-ordinator Madhumita pointed out that the Government says that 5% reservation was for transgenders which was only on paper and not a reality.

She regretted that transgenders were not given houses on rent and hence urged the Government to provide them sites.

She announced that the Samithi was recognised as a Learning Academy by University of Manitoba, Canada, with whom the Samithi was in association for 16 years.

A preventive medicine PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) tablets as a preventive medicine for HIV negative sex workers was launched on the occasion which has been clinically proven by University of Manitoba.

Deliberating on the medicine, Madhumita said that the tablets would be given free by the Samithi for sex workers initially, which actually costs about Rs.2,000 for a box. She further said that the Samithi had provided PrEP to sex workers and transgenders in Mysuru, Mandya, Chikkamaglur and Kodagu districts. She urged the Union Government to bring a health policy where PrEP could be supplied free to sex workers to prevent HIV infection.

A video CD titled ‘Me-Myself-My Gender’ was also released on the occasion.

PrEP is said to be an anti retro viral medication for people who are HIV negative and can function as a preventive medicine against the virus.

Samithi State Convenor Pranati Prakash, Treasurer Prathima, Member Devika and Dr. Robert Lorway of University of Manitoba, were present at the press meet.