In a first-of-its-kind gender-inclusive community policing initiative in the state, the Lucknow police on Thursday inaugurated UP's first transgenders help desk, at the Kaiserbagh Police Station. The help desk will be have five women police personnel available round the clock for assistance and this step also aims at normalising asking for help.

Transgender Help Desk aims to solve multitude of issues

Serving as a one-stop redressal window, this help desk had been in demand since a long time. Citizens will be able to file cases of violence or discrimination, seek counselling, legal-aid in partnership with the department of women and child welfare.

Most times, it is difficult to speak to people and open up, and in order to make them feel comfortable, women police have been deployed for the help desk.

"We have kept women personnel since most transgenders are comfortable with women rather than men. The police personnel have been adequately sensitised to deal with transgenders and their issues. Those who come here will not be sent to other places. We will take care of that," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) informed.

In addition to that, efforts will be made to encourage transgenders to come forward with their problems. The goal is to provide a feeling of security and assurance. Although late, but the desk is now functional and is here to create a safe space for the third gender, which is a part of the society too and needs the acceptance, that's been lacking since a long time now.