It is June 27 and the stage is set for Vannangal, a queer talent festival in Chennai’s Aminjikarai. The event serves as a curtain raiser for the annual Rainbow Pride March on June 28 at Rajarathinam stadium. The preparation is a riot of colours. People are helping each other get into tailored, glittery costumes, practice is on. There is nervous enthusiasm in the air and Jaya, a transwoman and one of the main organisers of this annual pride festival in Chennai (now in its 18th year), says that despite crowds that will soon trickle in and absolutely pack this Corporation community hall in a few hours, there is a bit of a sadness in the air. “The Pride March on Sunday will be full of joy but we are unable to forget the injustice that the community has suffered thanks to the Trans Amendment Act [Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026],” she says. “This feels like punching down on a people who already suffer enough,” she says.
Activism and strong advocacy from groups across the country opposing this act is not enough and many trans individuals are already facing the brunt of this act that was passed without any consultation with the community as a whole. “What of those who are currently undergoing hormone therapy” asks Jaya, considering that the Act strips away the right to self-perceived gender identity. Individuals are now being asked to approach District Magistrates and only then return to hospitals. Medical staff is having a difficult time understanding what is happening on-ground and is apprehensive to continue with hormone blockers, and supplements, hindering the very basic lives of queer, transitioning people. On June 15, the Supreme Court stayed further proceedings before four High Courts hearing challenges to the constitutional validity of the act. They have been stayed, at least until July, while the Supreme Court decides whether to consolidate everything before itself or assign it to a single High Court.
