Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj has called for stronger safeguards against discrimination targeting transgender people, requesting the Tamil Nadu government to introduce strict measures and set up a dedicated helpline for the community.
The director recently met Vanni Arasu, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Social Justice and Adi Dravidar Welfare and Hill Tribes, to discuss ways to address transphobia. Sharing details of the meeting on social media on Friday, Subbaraj said the minister had welcomed the team behind his film ‘Dorothy’ and appreciated its efforts to encourage meaningful conversations about social issues.
Subbaraj expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and revealed that he had urged the government to take effective action against transphobic behaviour in all its forms. He also proposed creating a dedicated helpline through which transgender people could seek assistance.
The appeal comes amid a debate surrounding ‘Dorothy’, which explores the challenges faced by a young person who comes out as transgender after growing up in an environment shaped by caste discrimination, patriarchy and violence.
Starring Sananth and Rishikanth, the film follows the turmoil that unfolds within the protagonist’s family after this revelation. The family turns to a longtime friend in an attempt to find the young person.
While several viewers have appreciated the film for addressing transgender identity and queer relationships, it has also attracted criticism. Subbaraj and his team have described some of the negative reactions as targeted hostility.
Through his meeting with the minister, the filmmaker has sought to extend the discussion beyond cinema and encourage concrete steps to protect transgender people from prejudice and discrimination.