No Religious Divide: Lucknow Transgenders Bond Over Ramzan Fasts
United by sexuality, professing different religions, this group of transgenders spreads the message of harmony.
Just a few weeks ago, across the Atlantic in Florida – a gay night club was attacked by an armed gunman. After the deadly attack, a series of bombings rocked Iraq, Bangladesh, Istanbul, and Medina. The attacks spared none, irrespective of their religion or community. These attacks rocked our beliefs in shared joys and griefs, in human bonding too.
This happened in the holy month of Ramzan, a month symbolising sacrifice and victory of good over evil.
Back home in India, in between the tensions and mourning, a group of transgenders silently practices tolerance. The group comprising four Hindus and four Muslims live in the city of Lucknow.
“We started living together three-years-ago; an experience that has taught each of us the futility of sectarian violence. Together we are one and strong”, remarked Payal, the leader of the group.
The group observes and celebrates every festival with utmost diligence and excitement. Their motto is simple – as no religion teaches hatred, peace should be the way to live.
Till the world hails the no-hatred motto and culls violence from its system, let us learn the simple things in life from them; a group that is divided by religion only on paper, but united by their shared bonding in reality.
Camera: Manish Mishra
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
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