Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore Celebrates Jubilee of Transgender Community

Chennai, December 13, 2025:

The Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore organised a Welfare Assistance Programme and Jubilee celebration for the transgender community at Santhome, Chennai, on December 11. The event brought together around 170 transgender persons from the districts of Chennai and Thiruvallur.

His Grace Archbishop George Antonysamy of the Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore attended the programme, along with His Excellency Mar George Rajendran, Chairman of the Health Commission and Bishop of the Thakkalai Syro-Malabar Diocese. Several priests were also present, including Fr. Raymond, Fr. Paulraj, Fr. Devenesan, Fr. Peter Thumma and Fr. Jude, along with the Sisters in charge.

A transgender participant, Pragathi, opened the programme with the reading of the Word of God. Fr. Raymond then engaged the gathering through short, uplifting dialogues, dances and speeches, interacting warmly with members of the transgender community. Adding a cultural highlight to the celebration, a transgender performer captivated the audience with a Bharatanatyam recital set to a song by Bharathiyar.

Inba, representing the transgender community, delivered the welcome address. She expressed gratitude and joy for the various forms of assistance extended to the community, particularly acknowledging the personal efforts and support of the Archbishop.

As part of the programme, transgender individuals who had recently joined the Home Guard for the first time were honoured, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards social inclusion and public service.

In his special Jubilee address, Archbishop George Antonysamy reflected on the initiatives of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council Health Commission, linking them closely to Christian values. He noted that many of the miracles of Jesus Christ centred on healing and restoring the poor and the marginalised. The Archbishop assured the transgender community of the Archdiocese’s continued commitment and future initiatives aimed at their welfare and empowerment.

The programme concluded with the distribution of welfare assistance to all participating transgender individuals. The community then expressed its thanks to the organisers and dignitaries. A meal was served to all, bringing the Jubilee celebration to a warm and joyful close.

By Casmir Roch

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