Admission in Loyola College: Dream Come True for Transgender Students

Two transgender students, Mirthulla and Diya, will now be able to pursue their dreams and continue their higher education. Loyola College, Chennai has provided admission to both students in undergraduate courses. Mirthulla aged 19 years, will be doing Bachelor in Multimedia (BMM), and Diya aged 21 years is all set to start her Bachelor in French Literature. They will be receiving a scholarship from the college.

Despite having passed her 12th grade in 2013, Diya is just getting admission to a college. She was not able to continue her studies as she did not get the right opportunities. Justin Prabhu, an official from the college said: “The two students have been given admission on the basis of their merit. Both are on par with other students and they deserve to study in our college.” Diya reported that: “I wanted to study French literature as it will open up new avenues for me. Even I can go abroad and work.”

Mirthulla spoke of her dreams to become a journalist. She said: “I always aspired to be a journalist as I can highlight the plight and problems of my community members through my work. I want to improve mine and their lives with my articles.” She lives with others like her as her family rejected her. She aspires to change the way society thinks about transgenders.

Andriya, a transgender who is supporting the cause of others mentioned the struggles of opting for higher education. From getting admission, dealing with taunting, managing the financial situation and being rejected by the family, they face a lot of unspeakable challenges. It is heartening to see that colleges have started contributing to the community giving them the justice they deserve. Justin Prabhu said: “So far, at least five to six transgenders have passed from our institution. We closely work with NGOs working for transgenders and give adequate importance to such students to make them part of mainstream society.