Banks Denied Me Home Loan: Transgender Activist

Akkai Padmashali, a transgender activist, is scared of losing her rented house in Bangalore. She has also been denied home loans by banks allegedly because of her gender, reported TOI.

In a statement to PTI she said, "I am living in fear of being evicted from my rented house because of the lease period, which expires on June 28. I had approached the banks, but they have denied me a loan of Rs 10 lakh (to buy the house) because I am a transgender."

Who is she?

Padmashali had turned heads earlier this year in January after she became the first transgender in Karnataka to register for marriage. She is married to Vasu who is also is a transgender activist.

A former sex worker, Padmashali says that she doesn't want to return to that life. Instead, she wants to lead a dignified life.

Read Also: Kerala Transgender Couple Surya & Ishaan Set To Tie The Knot Soon

What should be done ?

The activist said that the should set a good example by coming forward and giving her the loan. Instead of discriminating, they should help, she added.

While two-third of the amount is raised, one-third is still left. Padmashali said that she is falling short of Rs 10 lakh rupees to buy the house. The rest of the amount has been raised by keeping her mother's jewellery as collateral, through her friends and also with the help of crowdfunding.

In a report by TOI she said, "When defaulter Nirav Modi can avail of crores of rupees and run away from the country, why should not honest people get loan to buy house?"

The activist went on to say that she has faced many hurdles in her life by fighting for the rights of transgenders. But she now wants to buy the house and prove to the society that even they are capable enough to buy a house.

Read Also: Your Breasts Are Real? Principal Asks Transgender Teacher At Interview

Kriti Dwivedi is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv