Chennai, 17 January (H.S.) : The ongoing Chennai Book Fair has become a significant platform for transgender authors to share their lived experiences and challenge societal biases.

At the Thirunangai Press stall, writers Olga B Aaron and Sri Akshaya are showcasing their works, which delve into the complexities of community struggles, educational hurdles, and social exclusion.

Aaron's poetry collection, Kaalidukkil Oppanthangal, and Akshaya's memoir, Kovilpatti to Chennai Vazhi Thadangal, offer a raw and authentic perspective from within the community.

These works aim to move beyond mere representation, serving as a vital record of their existence and the systemic challenges they face daily.

Olga B Aaron, who transitioned in the 1990s, reflects on a time when transgender identities lacked legal recognition and social visibility. Her poetry, translated as With Thy Femme, explores themes of caste, gender, and everyday violence, capturing the silences within families.

Similarly, Sri Akshaya’s memoir traces her journey from a small town to the city, examining how rigid family expectations often marginalize transgender children. Akshaya emphasizes that while many books are written about them, very few are written by them.

Both authors believe that writing is a crucial tool for self-recognition and for documenting their lives, ensuring their stories are not lost to history.

According to the writers, these personal narratives serve as essential evidence of how society functions and the urgent need for greater empathy and acceptance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary