India, Aug. 8 -- The government of Tamil Nadu has released its State Policy for Transgender Persons, reaffirming its historical leadership in recognising gender-diverse lives. The policy is both expansive and aspirational, aiming to institutionalise dignity, non-discrimination, and socio-economic inclusion for transgender and intersex persons across the state. Unlike the narrower contours of the central legislation, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the Tamil Nadu policy charts a more intersectional and rights-affirming vision.

At its core, the policy upholds the right to self-identification and mandates all state agencies to respect a person's self-declared gender identity without requiring surgical or medical interv...