The shelter she refers to is Tamil Nadu’s first government-funded night shelter for the transgender community, established in 2018 in Chennai. Run by the NGO SIP Memorial Trust and funded by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), the shelter has evolved into a lifeline for over 100 transgender individuals, offering more than just temporary relief—it offers dignity, purpose, and belonging.
With a capacity to house 25 residents at a time, most are allowed to stay for up to six months. However, some continue longer if they find jobs within the shelter or take up responsibilities like training others.
“Taking someone off the streets is just the beginning,” said K. J. Praveen Kumar, Regional Deputy Commissioner (Central) of the GCC.
Commissioner (Central). “The real challenge is equipping them with skills, a support system, and a way forward—especially when many are turned away by their own families.”
Managed by Ms. Aruna, the shelter plays a pivotal role in both rehabilitation and reconciliation. “My parents couldn’t accept me and asked me to leave,” said one of the residents. In such cases, the shelter intervenes—bringing families in for counselling, therapy, and open conversations. “It doesn’t always work, but we’ve seen moments of healing. Some families do come around,” Aruna said.
To ensure residents don’t return to vulnerable conditions, the shelter offers vocational training in embroidery, painting, cooking, weaving, languages, martial arts, and more.
One shining example is Afsa, who joined the shelter in 2024. With a passion for cooking, she began helping in the kitchen and is now the head of nutrition and a permanent resident. “Thanks to donations, I’ve even started my own chat stall outside the shelter. It’s doing well, and I plan to launch colourful pani puris next!” she grinned.
Others use their stay to study online, build resumes, and land jobs. Vrinda, now employed at an IT company in Chennai, credits the shelter for giving her the stability and time she needed to restart her life. She’s currently searching for a rental home to begin living independently.
Still, challenges persist. “We’re often refused housing. Only a handful of homes in pockets of North Chennai are open to us,” another resident said. “But because of the shelter’s support and referrals, we manage to find our footing.”
During a recent art exhibition at the shelter, residents beamed with pride as they showcased their creations. “I work full-time now, but weekends are for embroidery or catching up with friends. It helps me stay grounded,” said Shanmukhi, a former Amazon employee.
The shelter’s success has inspired the state government to scale the initiative across Tamil Nadu. “We are in discussions to launch similar shelters in three more districts. Our goal is a state-wide network,” confirmed Praveen Kumar.
Among its most beloved residents is Pammy, 72, originally from Trichy but long based in Mumbai. Now in Chennai, she not only found a home at the shelter but also gained access to the state’s pension scheme for transwomen, receiving ₹1,000 monthly. “I’ve always loved Chennai, but it’s this shelter and the people in it who’ve made my life here truly beautiful,” she smiled.
With every story of transformation, the shelter reaffirms its mission: to uplift transgender lives, foster acceptance, and ensure every individual—regardless of gender—can stand tall, live freely, and dream big.
