“We are human beings too. We have the right to love, companionship and marriage”
Chennai: Members of the transgender community associated with the Sahodaran Organisation have welcomed director Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Dorothy’, describing the film as an important attempt to bring greater understanding and sensitivity towards the lives, identities and emotional struggles of transgender people.
According to members of the organisation, Dorothy goes beyond the conventional portrayal of transgender characters and addresses several realities that remain largely misunderstood by society.
They pointed out that many transgender people are unable to openly express their gender identity because of fear of rejection by their families, friends and communities. As a result, many are forced to live outwardly as men despite experiencing a completely different identity within themselves.
The film, they said, brings this painful reality to the forefront and offers audiences an opportunity to understand the emotional journey behind such experiences.
Addressing Social Exclusion
The members also appreciated the film for portraying the discrimination faced by transgender people in different social environments.
They said that while social exclusion is a reality for many transgender people, discrimination can also take different forms depending on their social and community background, particularly in certain rural areas.
The film, they added, brings these realities into the conversation without reducing the transgender experience to a stereotype.
The Fear of Revealing One’s Identity
One of the aspects they particularly highlighted was the portrayal of childhood.
Many transgender people, they explained, grow up with the fear of revealing their true identity even to their closest male friends. The anxiety of being mocked, rejected or misunderstood often forces them to suppress their feelings from a very young age.
Dorothy, they said, succeeds in bringing this internal struggle to the screen in a manner that can help audiences understand what many transgender individuals go through.
“We Have the Right to Love and Marriage Too”
The organisation also welcomed the film’s portrayal of love and relationships involving transgender people.
“We are human beings too. We have emotions, dreams and aspirations just like everyone else. We also need love, companionship and marriage. Society needs to understand that transgender people have the same human emotions and the same right to build relationships and lead a fulfilling life,” members of the Sahodaran Organisation said.
They added that the film helps open an important conversation about the right of transgender people to experience love and companionship without being judged solely on the basis of their gender identity.
Beyond Conventional Representation
While transgender characters have been represented in Tamil cinema over the years, the members said Dorothy attempts to look beyond familiar representations and explore the person behind the identity.
“Transgender people have been portrayed in different ways in cinema for generations. But Dorothy attempts to look beyond that familiar portrayal and explore the emotions, fears, relationships and social realities of transgender people more closely. That is something we appreciate,” they said.
“Watch the Film Before Forming an Opinion”
The organisation also appealed to audiences not to arrive at conclusions about the film based on assumptions or isolated impressions.
“We request everyone to watch the film before forming an opinion. Some people may misunderstand what the film is trying to say. We request them not to do so. Once you watch the film in its entirety, its perspective and emotional core will become much clearer,” they said.
A Special Tribute to Ilaiyaraaja
The members also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for composing the music for the film.
“For us, having the Maestro create music for a film that speaks about our lives and emotions is a blessing. It is something we consider a great privilege. We convey our heartfelt gratitude to Ilaiyaraaja and to director Karthik Subbaraj for bringing these sensitive emotions and realities to the screen,” they said.
The Sahodaran Organisation members concluded by expressing the hope that Dorothy will encourage audiences to look beyond stereotypes and develop a more empathetic understanding of the transgender community and their place in society.
Media Contact
Kalaimamani Sudha
95000 57212
Thirunangai Jaya
General Manager, Sahodaran Organisation
98418 65423