Transgender, Rose Venkatesan who was the host of the popular chat show, Ippaddiku Rose is all set to make her mark in politics! She has filed an application for a ticket with Desiya Murpoku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) headed by Vijaykanth as she believes he has always been sympathetic to transgenders. Rose said she will contest the elections against DMK if given an opportunity to do so.
Rose has the honor of being the first transgender television host in India. She was born and brought up in Chennai and received an Engineering degree from Satyabama college. She also has a Master’s degree in Science from an American institution. On returning to India, she did a course in Loyola College to learn the ropes of the television trade.
Transgender rights activist, Kalki Subramaniam has also applied for a ticket with DMK. Both feel that transgenders need political representation in order to get more benefits for their community in terms of employment, education, etc. and to prevent heir stigmatization. According to census reports there are 30,000 transgenders in Tamil Nadu. But this is a conservative figure as many are scared to reveal themselves. Rose says that 2– 5% of the populace are transgenders and they represent a sizeable voting bank.
Rose is keen to contest from Karur whereas Kalki prefers her hometown Pollachi. Rose wishes to help not only her people but other minorities as well and she cares a lot about women’s rights. She wishes to be known as a powerful and good politician and not just a transgender politician. Wishing the endeavors of these individuals every success!
