Will You Ever Dare To Adopt A Transgender As Your Child?

Summary

The article discusses the inspiring adoption of a transgender woman named Rekha by a 95-year-old Sikh couple in Chandigarh, India, challenging societal norms and advocating for love and acceptance.

Abstract

The narrative centers on a Sikh couple who, despite their advanced age, have adopted Rekha, a transgender individual, showcasing their progressive mindset and defiance of societal stigmas in India. The couple, both retired school principals, made this decision after consulting with their daughters and have since treated Rekha with love and respect, completing their family. The article emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and the need to look beyond gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion, as advocated by public figures like Lana Wachowsk and Lea T. The couple's philosophy is rooted in the belief that love and acceptance are paramount, and they have set an example by providing Rekha with a supportive environment. The author, Gurpreet Dhariwal, is inspired by their actions and hopes that their story will encourage societal change and recognition of transgender individuals' right to love and respect.

Opinions

The author expresses admiration for the Sikh couple's decision to adopt Rekha, viewing it as a courageous act against prevailing prejudices.
There is a clear critique of societal attitudes towards transgender individuals, with the author pitying those who judge without understanding the struggles of transgender people.
The couple's daughters are seen as supportive and open-minded for advising their parents in adopting Rekha.
The article highlights the couple's belief in the sanctity of love over societal approval, emphasizing that love is a fundamental need that transcends material support.
The couple's rejection of societal norms is further illustrated by their lack of interest in traditional religious practices that involve wishing ill upon others.
The author advocates for the adoption of more transgender individuals, citing their loyalty and the couple's view that they deserve the same care as any other individual in society.
The author expresses a hope for a society that values and respects all individuals regardless of gender, and sees the couple as a living example of generosity and humanity.
The author wishes for Rekha to pay forward the love and respect she has received by helping to uplift others in society.
The couple's health and well-being are humorously attributed to not having a son, which they suggest would have brought unnecessary troubles.
The author is proud that there are individuals working towards positive societal change and views the couple as deserving of recognition and as examples to be taught in educational institutions.

“I am transgender, and this doesn’t mean that I am unlovable.” Lana Wachowsk

“Include everyone, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion. We are all human beings, and we are part of society.” — Lea T

A week ago, my mother shared one YouTube video with me on WhatsApp, and I was amazed to see how this 95-years-old Sikh couple has adopted a transgender named Rekha in Chandigarh, India.

What made me watch it so late because I wanted to pen this story on this video as I belong to a country where transgenders are looked at with a queer attitude and degraded thoughts in mind. But I pity these people who judge them without knowing about their life’s struggles and setbacks.

At the same time, I am equally amazed at the open mindset of this couple who adopted Rekha after taking some advice from their daughters, and not even once did they think of discarding her.

The husband and wife are retired principals of the school where they met and married each other. Yeah, it was a love marriage during the times when people took six to seven months just to greet their crush with a ‘Hello’. They met and entered the institution of marriage.

Moreover, they knew that people in their neighborhood would look at them with strange eyes, but then they didn’t seek the approval of anyone as in their abode they are the ones who take all the decisions. When Rekha joined them, their family got complete. They treat her with utmost respect and love.

Both uncle and aunty have strength in their bones to support someone who is not easily accepted in society. Even Aunty said that you can give people money, clothes, even food but love is something that you don’t get everywhere. We have given her love, and in return, she has given us her whole heart. What else do we need in life?

The husband even spilled the beans about the fake image of the society where people visit Sikh and Hindu temples to ask for mishappenings in somebody else’s life. They don’t go anywhere because they believe God resides right there in their thoughts and abode.

Also, they believe in this philosophy of adopting more transgenders as history has proved that transgenders have never betrayed anyone and always stood by their words. They also believe that if the handicapped child is born into a rich family they take care of that child till eternity, then why do we neglect these people in the society who are seeking nothing from us except love and respect.

This story has inspired me a lot.

I wish everybody in this world was coming from the same thinking background of respecting others irrespective of their gender. They have set a living example that good and generous people have a heart of gold.

And I truly hope that Rekha helps others and raises them back to life the way they have given her status, respect, and affection in society. Also, they both don’t look as if they are 95 years old as they are physically fit and healthy. To this, they responded that they are keeping well because they don’t have a son. Had they been blessed with a son; they would have been dealing with uninvited trouble.

My heart is smiling today because even after lots of atrocities that are happening in and around us, it fills me with great pride that there are people who are investing their time in making a big change in society. May they always be blessed and be introduced as an example of humanity in schools and colleges.

*I have enclosed the link to the video, and it’s in my mother tongue (Punjabi) language. I hope the subtitles are available so that you can watch it too.

“To all trans youth out there, I would like to say respect yourself and be proud of who you are. All human beings deserve equal treatment no matter their gender identity or sexuality. To be perceived as what you say you are, is a basic right.” — Andreja Pejic

Gurpreet Dhariwal is the author of Three books. Her books are available on Amazon, Flipkart, and BlueRose. Connect with Gurpreet at www.gurpreetdhariwal.com