Freedom in Speech

Written by gina Monday, 20 June 2011 14:08

Every one has the right to equality and not discrimination states the constitution. but in reality, transsexuals needs are special which others take for granted.without proper Identity they are denied jobs and housing even medical attention immediately they are exposed, A 20year old transgender narrates how he was denied National Identification card specifically because of his changed gender.

"I am James Mwangi (not my real name) a Kenyan youth, i changed from a girl to boy when i was 12years and i have been living a boy life for 8years now. i came out open about my changed gender identity at 18years. The first time i went to apply for my national identity card, i was ready to deal with my transgender issues as it has always been the case.

I gave the officers my details and asked for assistance in filling in of the forms for the ID card. living in the closet had been stressful and so I thought that coming out about who I was things were going to be much easier for me but from the look of things, I  knew something was up. I was sent back to come the following week to start the application process all over again.

Dutifully I went back the following week anxious and ready to start the application of owning an identification card and becoming a loyal citizen. shock on me when i reached at the registration offices only for me to be summoned to the directors office. obediently i followed the officer who took me to his boss, the stare from the directors eyes made me not even take a step closer leave alone pulling the chair in front of me to sit, "Wewe ni msichana au mvulana? (are you a boy or a girl?)" he asked and at first i gave him a blank stare, he stood up and came closer rudely occupying my private space and repeated the same question only this time it sounded more of a shout direct to my ears.

For once i really did not know what to answer, and this made him be even madder at me. He called in the officer who had brought me in and told him to inspect me and find out who i really was, the ordeal i went through only God knows. after a satisfactorily inspecting he requested me to give him two hundred thousand if i wanted to proceed with the registration terming my case as being complicated. I knew i had the right to apply and own my national ID without bribery but what was i to do they say you cannot fight with the arm of the law. left with no choice i walked out tears flowing down my cheeks like a waterfall".

At the moment James cannot apply for any job because he does not have an ID card which is mandatory for all employees, "am still waiting for a day when one wont be questioned for the choices they make concerning their sexuality and for crying out loud i thought this was a free and sovereign country?" this were his final words.