Transgender leader Meera Parida joins BJD

Surjit kumar Dhal, Bhubaneswar, March 17: Inspired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, transgender leader and social activist Meera Parida joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) here Sunday.

Accompanied by hundreds of supporters, Meera joined the the party at Naveen Niwas.

Later she said, “I have been inspired by CM’s leadership and I completely support the people who work for the benefit of my community.”

Hailing from Begunia block of Khordha, Meera is the Chairman Of All Odisha Third Gender Welfare Trust and has started a NGO named ‘SAKHA’ that works to protect the rights of gender and sexuality minority individuals in Odisha.

She was also conferred with the Best Transgender Leader in India 2016 award by UNDP, NACO and HIV Alliance for her work in protecting the rights of marginalised groups who are vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in India.