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0 THRIVING TOGETHER – BREAKING BOUNDARIES: Empowering Transgender Communities Through Sustainable Livelihoods and Inclusive Spaces A THESIS REPORT Submitted by SEBASTIN BACKIARAJ. A Reg. No: 724420251708 in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE at NEHRU SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, COIMBATORE ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025 JANUARY 2025 1 Title of the project “THRIVING TOGETHER- BREAKING BOUNDARIES” Empowering Transgender Communities Through Sustainable Livelihoods and Inclusive Spaces Introduction & Background of the study “Acche din!”—a phrase symbolizing the promise of a better future—has become a recurring mantra in Indian society. Yet, when we examine the status of equality guaranteed under the Indian constitution, one cannot help but question whether these "better days" have truly arrived for all citizens. The stark answer is no. Despite the commitments of successive governments, the dream of equality stays unfulfilled for many, particularly for the transgender community. Transgender individuals, often referred to as the "third gender," have historically faced systemic discrimination, social ostracization, and a lack of access to fundamental rights. Even decades after India’s independence, they are still marginalized, unable to fully take part in the nation's progress. This marginalization highlights a significant gap in our pursuit of an inclusive and egalitarian society. The term "transgender," coined in the mid-1990s, encompasses individuals whose gender identity or expression deviates from conventional norms associated with their assigned sex at birth. Often termed gender-variant or gender- nonconforming, they challenge the rigid stereotypes of gender that society upholds. Despite their historical and cultural significance in India, transgender individuals have struggled to achieve the dignity, equality, and opportunities that the constitution promises to all citizens. This project seeks to empower transgender communities by addressing two critical aspects of their well-being: sustainable livelihoods and inclusive living spaces. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between marginalization and inclusion by fostering economic independence through vocational training, skill development, and employment in diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, fashion, and the arts. Simultaneously, it emphasizes the creation of secure and supportive community living environments that nurture mental well-being, self-reliance, and social cohesion. These inclusive spaces aim to foster a sense of belonging, enabling transgender individuals to thrive both personally and professionally. Addressing these challenges and empowering the transgender community is not just a matter of social justice—it is a step toward realizing India’s true potential as an inclusive and progressive society. This initiative aims to break barriers by focusing on sustainable employment and the creation of supportive, inclusive living environments, ensuring that the promise of equality becomes a reality for everyone. Aim Aim: To create an inclusive framework that empowers transgender individuals through safe community living and sustainable livelihood initiatives, ensuring dignity, independence, and societal integration. Objectives: 1. Safe and Inclusive Housing: Ensuring access to affordable, secure, and community-centered living spaces is essential to upholding the rights and dignity of transgender individuals. By integrating low-cost housing with safe and supportive environments that foster sustainable livelihoods, we can create spaces where transgender individuals not only find stability but also thrive. This approach prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and economic empowerment, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the community. 2 2. Economic Empowerment: Creating sustainable livelihoods through vocational training is key to fostering economic independence and dignity for transgender individuals. By providing skill development in diverse fields such as healthcare, fashion, arts, martial arts, handloom, farming, and technology, we can enhance employability and open pathways to entrepreneurship. Support entrepreneurship and self-reliance through co-working spaces and community enterprises. 3. Cultural and Community Identity: Fostering a powerful sense of identity and belonging is essential for the empowerment of transgender individuals. Creating shared spaces for social interaction, cultural events, and community bonding helps celebrate and preserve their rich heritage. Embracing and displaying transgender culture not only strengthens internal solidarity but also fosters greater societal understanding and acceptance. 4. Social Integration: Bridging the gap between the transgender community and broader society is essential for fostering acceptance and understanding. By designing inclusive spaces that welcome people of all backgrounds, we promote dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect. Advocating for transgender rights further strengthens this integration, ensuring that inclusion is not just a concept but a lived reality for all. 5. Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and efficient waste management in the design. Promote sustainable living practices to align with broader urban development goals. 6. Replicability: Design the project as a scalable framework that can be adapted for similar marginalized groups in different regions. Scope & Limitations Scope: This project addresses key challenges faced by transgender individuals by providing safe housing and sustainable livelihoods. It offers a comprehensive approach that includes access to healthcare, mental health support, and legal aid. The initiative also promotes interaction with broader society to reduce stigma and foster social acceptance. Limitations: Limited Funding: Financial constraints may hinder the integration of advanced sustainable technologies and infrastructure improvements. Securing long-term funding and support from governmental and non-governmental organizations is crucial. Community Resistance: Societal prejudices and opposition from local communities may create barriers to implementation. Awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement are essential to fostering acceptance. Scalability and Adaptability: Expanding the model to different socio-cultural contexts may require modifications to align with regional needs, policies, and economic conditions. Flexible, adaptable design and policy frameworks are necessary for wider impact. 3 STATE DOESN'T HAVE EXCLUSIVE SKILL TRAINING/ EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES FOR TRANSGENDER PERSONS EXISTING STATE SKILL TRAINING/ EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES DOESN'T ENSURE EQUAL OPPUTUNITY FOR TRANSGENDER PERSONS LACK OF OPPURTUNITIES FOR LIVILIHOOODS LIMITED OPTIONS FOR FORMAL EMPLOYMENT INCREASED PREDISPOSITION TO RISK AND ILLEGAL OCCUPATION FORCED TO DO BEGGING / SEX WORK LOSS OF RESIDENTS AND SUPPORT SYSTEM FORCED TO MIGRATION LOSS OF ID PROOF THAT HAS GENDER ASSIGEND BY BIRTH DIFFICULT TO GET HIGHER EDUCATION/ EMPLOYMENT COMMUNITY LIVING (GURU -CHELA SYSTEM) INDIVIDUAL LIVING TRANSGENDER / GENDER NON CONFIRMING INDIVIDUALS 62.7/ DISOWNED BY THEIR FAMILIES (SOURCE: AVAHAN, SWASTI 4 Building Typology: The project integrates residential, vocational, institutional, and cultural spaces into a single cohesive environment. Key Components: 1. Residential Spaces: Affordable/low-cost housing designed for privacy, safety, and community interaction. 2. Economic Hubs: Vocational training and co-working spaces to promote skill-building and entrepreneurship. 3. Institutional: Clinics offering physical and mental health services, along with legal aid. 4. Cultural Spaces:Galleries and event halls to celebrate transgender traditions and foster cultural pride. 5. Sustainability: Integration of renewable energy sources, rainwater harvesting systems, and waste management solutions. Scale: The project is designed for medium-scale implementation in urban contexts, starting with a pilot in Coimbatore.
