Meet Apsara Reddy, first transgender appointed Mahila Congress's National General-Secretary
What's the story
In a first, the Indian National Congress has appointed transgender journalist and activist, Apsara Reddy, as the National General Secretary of its women's wing, the All India Mahila Congress (AIMC). Congress President Rahul Gandhi made the announcement in the presence of AIMC President and Lok Sabha MP, Sushmita Dev. Reddy is the first ever transgender office-bearer in the history of 134-year-old Congress. Here's more.
Twitter Post
Here's what the Congress tweeted about Reddy's appointment
Apsara Reddy has been appointed the first transgender National General Secretary of @MahilaCongress by Congress President @RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/qDTZSgaoMH
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 8, 2019
Twitter Post
Mahila Congress welcomes National General Secretary Apsara Reddy
Welcoming Apsara Reddy to @MahilaCongress
— All India Mahila Congress (@MahilaCongress) January 8, 2019
As @sushmitadevmp puts it the path for inclusivity comes through acceptance and compassion beyond the set societal norms.#Womenpositive https://t.co/pG3AnmPc6J
AIADMK stint
Reddy was initially part of the AIADMK party
Apsara Reddy, a well-known transgender activist and a former journalist, had in May 2016, joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party of Tamil Nadu. Former TN CM, late J Jayalalithaa, had reportedly offered Reddy the post of AIADMK National Spokesperson. However, she had joined the AIADMK's pro-Sasikala camp after having differences with the party members following Jayalalithaa's death in 2016.
Information
Reddy joined BJP, but quit within a month
Later, Apsara Reddy had also joined the BJP after a meeting with the party's National President Amit Shah. However, she left the party within a month, saying, "BJP is regressive and has no place for free-thinking individuals."
Statement
Exposed to many prejudices and injustices quite early on: Reddy
After her appointment as the AIMC National General Secretary, Apsara Reddy said, "I come from a background where I was exposed to many prejudices and injustices quite early on. The hypocrisy and discrimination only motivated me to work against injustice." "India is being governed by forces that place far more importance on religious identity than the rights and dignity of women," she added.
On Congress
Rahul Gandhi's women-centric manifesto goals, dynamism are truly inspiring: Reddy
"Congress is truly a party that built India and sustained us for generations with good policy and a sensitive and inclusive approach in governance," Reddy said. "Rahul Gandhi's commitment to the fair representation of women, women-centric manifesto goals and dynamism are truly inspiring and I would be delighted to serve women across the country under his leadership," added Reddy.
Transgender Bill
Don't need charity, we need assistance: Reddy on Transgender Bill
Apsara Reddy, while talking about the Transgender Bill issue, said, "BJP government has this patronizing attitude towards us." "We don't need charity, we need assistance to bridge the inequality meted out to us for far too long. They use words like rehabilitation," she added. "What the community truly needs is education and equal opportunity. Most importantly, political recognition," said Reddy.