The first Third Gender cast vote in Kerala with Pride

 "I am so excited and proud to vote," said Suji, after casting her vote in Nattika in Thrissur. Her eyes beam with pride as she shows her voter identity card that defines her as a 'Third Gender.'  it is the first official proof that accepts her sexuality.

Suji had a long battle to get recognised in society.  Today, she is the one of the two transgenders in Kerala who secured a voting right.  

"As a citizen, I consider my voting right as an acceptance of our community into society. Men, women and third gender they all stand on the same level there is no difference at all," Suji says. 

It is the first legislative assembly elections to be held in Kerala after the Supreme Court recognised transgenders as a third gender in 2014.

Talking to Asianet News before the elections, Suji said that her first vote will go to a party that ensures the safety of women. "The new government should be able to provide security for women; it should understand the issues faced by women," Suji said. 

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