Artist Vicky Shinde at work

The project gets over by February 24. Prasad said they don’t have any fixed options for a sustainable income. Some of them are hairstylists, mehendi artisans, beauticians and some even shoot for documentaries and films. Sumit Gupta, site coordinator of St+art India, said, “Transgender people do not have many options, but this is one way to ensure they don’t beg at traffic signals. We have conducted workshops so that they are trained and are willing to work. The government has been supportive and encourages trans women by assigning projects and opportunities like these. The walls and pillars depict themes synonymous with Mumbai—dabbawalas, fisherwomen, kaali-peelis.”

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‘Projects get us respect, end bias’

Vicky Shinde, a trans woman and transgender rights activist, said, “I have learned cooking, painting and am also an actor. So once this project is over, I have other options and can get back to earning my income using the skills I possess. I also get others from the community engaged in projects or part-time gigs. Many of us had skills but no platform to showcase our work. This project has given us both an opportunity and a source of income, and people also show respect for the work we are doing. Such works are also helping erase the bias. We just want the society to have a liberal approach towards trans women, who they think only beg, engage in sex work or dance at occasions. Art work gives us a new identity as painters and artists.”

Artist Deepa paints a pillar green

“We want to be recognised and have full-time jobs but will companies employ us and the colleagues accept us?” she asked. Another artist involved in the project, Mona Worlikar, 24, said, “I am not trained in art, but was always creative and took up this chance to put my skills to use. I have worked on similar projects previously, and feel happy every time I get another opportunity as it gives me a chance to learn something new.”

“I was a background dancer, but I’m currently unemployed. So these projects help me cope with financial strains. I would urge the BMC to employ more trans women, because those without work are begging. If the government won’t recognise us and give us work, then what will we do,” asked Worlikar, whose widowed mother works as a house help. Sharad Ughade, assistant municipal commissioner of G south Ward (Lower Parel and Worli), was unavailable for comment.

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No. of pillars currently being painted