Bengaluru: Karnataka’s first-ever sexual minority survey, aimed at mapping and understanding the transgender population across the state, has made a slow start, identifying only around 6,000 individuals out of an estimated 43,000 during the first 15 days of data collection. Officials attribute the low turnout, particularly in urban areas like Bengaluru, to deep-rooted social stigma, lack of trust, and fear of exposure.
Many transgender individuals are apprehensive about revealing their identity, fearing negative repercussions on their family lives. Some enumerated individuals are married and have children, which makes them cautious about participating in a government survey. Officials also noted that in some cases, people have refused to disclose their gender identity or skipped enumeration altogether due to concerns about misuse of personal data.
Bengaluru struggles due to stigma
Mahesh Babu N, Director of the Women and Child Development Department, highlighted that enumerators in Bengaluru often face hostility during the process. In several instances, they were shouted at, or officials were redirected to certain locations to collect the data. This resistance contrasts sharply with participation in districts like Bijapur and Bagalkote, which have shown comparatively better response rates.
The survey has been designed to inform future welfare programs, including skilling, employment, healthcare, and housing schemes specifically for the transgender community. The government has deployed enumerators across districts, offering daily remuneration of about ₹1,000 per enumerator, amounting to nearly ₹1 crore overall for the initial phase.
Data collection strategies
Hospitals have emerged as safer points for enumeration, as transgender individuals routinely visit medical facilities for treatment. Enumerators are leveraging these visits to encourage participation, explaining the benefits of inclusion in the government’s welfare and skill development schemes.
Officials emphasised that the survey is not only about counting numbers but also about understanding the socio-economic conditions of the community. Accurate data will help policymakers design targeted programs, ensure corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds are directed appropriately, and expand welfare initiatives such as group housing, employment schemes, and access to healthcare services.
Despite the slow progress in Bengaluru, officials remain hopeful that awareness campaigns, combined with safe enumeration strategies, will encourage more participation in the coming weeks. They also stressed the importance of building trust within the transgender community, ensuring that the survey is seen as a supportive and beneficial initiative rather than an intrusive exercise.