Pursuit of Equity: Dalit Trans Student Struggle for Inclusive Accommodation at SRFTI

Kolkata— Zena Sagar, a talented Dalit trans woman studying at the renowned Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI)  has been anxiously awaiting a response for nearly a month regarding her application for accommodation at the women's hostel. Her application, which included a letter from her psychiatrist confirming her gender identity dysphoria (GID) and a note from her endocrinologist, has seemingly gone unanswered. As per a TOI report, Zena hails from Jaipur and is a student at the institute's production department. 

SRFTI recently made headlines due to student protests regarding the mishandling of sexual harassment cases and the subsequent removal of the presiding officer of the internal complaints committee, who also serves as an associate professor in the cinematography department.

In response to the situation, SRFTI Director Himansu Khatua is quoted telling TOI, "I will ascertain whether the application was officially submitted to any responsible staff member. The student mentioned the issue to me verbally on Friday. I have informed the student that I need to determine whether they are undergoing sex reassignment surgery by examining the information provided in the original admission form. Once I am aware of the circumstances, I will take any appropriate action within my power."

Zena's application to the administration clearly identified her as a transfeminine individual currently undergoing medical transition. She expressed her urgent need for assistance, emphasizing that she is in the process of applying for her transgender identification, which usually takes three to four months to complete despite legal provisions for expedited processing.

With no written response received thus far, Zena penned a letter to the West Bengal Transgender Persons Development Board, accusing the administration of discriminatory treatment based on her gender identity as a trans woman. Adding to her predicament, Zena lacks the financial means to sustain her current accommodation beyond June 30, due to ongoing medical transitional expenses.

In her struggle for inclusive accommodation, Zena Sagar's plight at SRFTI persists, leaving her uncertain about her future in the institution.

The Mooknayak attempted to connect with the SRFTI management but received no response.