Kolkata, April 16: The city of Kolkata came alive with both celebration and activism as it observed the 18th National Transgender Day on April 15, 2025. Organized by Gokhale Road Bandhan in collaboration with the Association of Transgender/Hijra in Bengal (ATHB), the event brought together a diverse gathering of supporters from across society.
Actors Moon Moon Sen and Rudranil Ghosh, along with social activists, police officials from the Government of West Bengal, and representatives of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, attended the event. The day served as a celebration of identity as well as a pointed reminder of the persistent challenges facing the transgender community.
Transgender activist and ATHB member Ranjita Sinha spoke passionately about the limited progress made since the 2014 Supreme Court verdict that recognized transgender people as the ‘third gender.’ “West Bengal is still far behind in the transgender movement,” Sinha said. “The board created by the state is only for display—nothing concrete has been done in areas like health, education, and employment.”
Sinha highlighted the dire circumstances faced by educated transgender youth who remain marginalized and homeless due to lack of opportunities. While acknowledging the efforts of the Central Government’s Garima Griha shelter initiative, she emphasized that the movement for equal rights is still ongoing. “This is a fight for our rights,” she declared.
Actor Rudranil Ghosh added his voice to the calls for justice, criticizing elected officials for their inaction. “Why do we need to go to court for basic rights?” he asked. “It has been 18 years, yet the transgender community still waits. Elected governments must deliver, not delay.”
Veteran actress Moon Moon Sen offered a message of hope and appreciation for the judiciary. Referring to the landmark NALSA verdict, she said, “The judgment was everything we expect from the Supreme Court. It delivered justice when democracy did not. I am delighted for them. Our judiciary has stood tall.”
The event reaffirmed the determination of the transgender community and its allies to continue pressing for inclusion, dignity, and the fulfillment of constitutional promises.