A recent consultation meeting in Chennai has shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by transgender men in accessing healthcare at the state’s 12 government-run gender clinics. Organized by the Transgender Resource Center in Madurai, with support from the Omega Forum for Social Impact, the February 25 meeting brought together trans men and their allies to voice concerns regarding inadequate counseling, adverse side effects from high-dosage hormone therapies, and a troubling lack of engagement from medical professionals.
Priya Babu, a trans rights activist and managing trustee of the organizing center, emphasized that much of the medical research surrounding transgender issues tends to focus predominantly on trans women, leaving trans men largely unrepresented. “When we speak of the transgender community, we speak mainly about trans women. Most of the medical research we have is based on trans women. There is hardly any research on trans men,” Babu pointed out.
The meeting marked a significant milestone as the first dedicated consultation for trans men held in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the state’s evolving policies that aim to address the specific needs of this demographic. One participant from Madurai, who has been undergoing hormone treatment for nine months, recounted his experience of being prescribed a high dosage of hormones that resulted in severe side effects, including prolonged periods and acne. He expressed frustration that his treatment did not take his individual body type into account, leading to unnecessary physical and emotional distress.
Another trans man from Tirunelveli shared his discomfort over being subjected to a genital examination prior to top surgery, prompting him to seek care at a private clinic instead. These testimonies reflect a broader concern among attendees regarding the lack of psychological support and the transactional nature of many interactions with healthcare providers.
Dr. G. Gerard Maria Selvam, Additional Director of the National Health Mission for Tamil Nadu, listened attentively to the grievances and promised that steps would be taken to enhance the services at gender clinics. “We want to understand the issues you face and how we can improve services at the transgender clinics. This is an evolving discipline, so there needs to be constant feedback,” he assured.
S. Gunasekari, Joint Director of the Women Commission in the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, highlighted the limited public awareness about trans men. She emphasized the importance of education and mentioned ongoing efforts by the state government, including shelters specifically for trans individuals and educational support initiatives available through the Transgender Welfare Board.
During the meeting, L. Ramakrishnan, senior vice president of SAATHI, conducted a session aimed at raising awareness about the biological issues faced by trans men, including side effects of hormone therapy. He stressed the significance of adhering to globally accepted standards of care for transgender individuals.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for improved healthcare services and support for transgender men in Tamil Nadu, advocating for a greater emphasis on research, counseling, and comprehensive care. Published on February 26, 2026, this event marks a crucial step in amplifying the voices of a historically marginalized community and fostering a more inclusive healthcare environment.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/transgender-men-in-tamil-nadu-flag-healthcare-welfare-concerns/article70675462.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
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Publish Date: 2026-02-26 11:39:00
