In a landmark moment for inclusivity in Indian sports, the Urimai Kural Trust organized Tamil Nadu’s first-ever kabaddi tournament specifically for trans men. Held at Queen Mary’s College in Chennai, the event was centered on a radical yet simple premise: trans men have the right to play, be seen, and compete in the state’s most iconic sport.
Against a backdrop of trans and rainbow flags, 32 players from across the state gathered to form four teams. For many, like participant Aryan, the day was less about the final score and more about the historical significance. “This is the first time such an event has been organized, and being part of this moment is a very big thing for us,” he shared.
Breaking the Cycle of Invisibility
The tournament aimed to address the “invisibility within invisibility” that trans men often face. Fred Rogers, director of the Urimai Kural Trust and a trans activist, highlighted that public discourse around transgender rights often overlooks trans men (AFAB – assigned female at birth).
- Systemic Exclusion: Welfare schemes and legal frameworks frequently equate “transgender” solely with trans women, leaving trans men without adequate policy support.
- Societal Pressure: Trans men often face severe pushback from patriarchal households, including emotional abuse and forced confinement, for asserting their identities.
- The Case for a New Category: Rogers argued that because trans men may have different physiological profiles (some on testosterone, some not), a dedicated category is a necessary space for fair competition and recognition, rather than a “consolation prize.”
Tournament Highlights & Community Support
The event drew support from seasoned sports professionals and government officials alike, signaling a shift toward broader social acceptance.
- Professional Recognition: Gold Rajendran, an Asian gold medalist in kabaddi, watched the matches and praised the players’ talent. He emphasized that with 60 lakh kabaddi players in Tamil Nadu, the sport must expand to include more trans participation.
- Guest Dignitaries: Prizes were distributed by DSP Vinayagamoorthi (Cyber Crime Wing, Chennai) and his wife Mythili (Superintendent of the TN Government Music College), both of whom spoke on the vital importance of inclusion.
- Inclusive Logistics: Every participant received monetary compensation ranging from ₹5,250 to ₹14,000, ensuring that everyone’s time and effort were valued regardless of their standing.
“Our Gender, Our Right”
The event’s tagline, ‘Engal Paalinam Engal Urimai’ (Our Gender, Our Right), resonated through the final raids. Beyond the physical competition, the tournament served as a vital networking hub. Players like Fazil noted that the greatest takeaway was the sense of community: “When we see people like ourselves, we feel we should speak to them… that feeling is there throughout the tournament.”
As the dust settled on the Queen Mary’s College mud court, the message was clear: this was not just a one-off game, but the beginning of a new chapter for trans athletes in Tamil Nadu.
