India’s first university exclusively for transgender people to facilitate education for the community from class 1 to postgraduation, is set to open in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district.

The university, which will be opened in Fazilnagar block of the district, is being built by the Akhil Bhartiya Kinnar Siksha Seva Trust (All-India transgender education service trust).

“From January 15 next year, two children who are brought up by the community members will get admission, and from February and March, other classes will start,” Dr Krishna Mohan Mishra, president of the trust, was quoted in The New Indian Express.

“In the university, the transgender community will be able to study right from class one to PG and even do research and get PhD degree,” he added.

“After passing out of the university, transgender people will be able to give a new direction to the community,” Ganga Singh Kushwaha, local MLA was quoted in The Times Of India. The community members can also pursue doctoral degrees from the university.

The members of the Transgender community expressed joy over the move. “I am happy that we will be educated and get respect in the society. Education has power, and I am sure it will not only change our lives but also the lives of others,” said Guddi Kinnar, a member of the community.

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