Chennai, Aug. 21: Physiotherapist Muthuchelvan, 24, lost his job in the prestigious Madras Cricket Club when he underwent a sex change operation and became Selvi.
Undeterred, Selvi is now setting up a physio clinic in busy Kodambakkam, hoping to net some influential clients from Kollywood.
A team of Supreme Court judges who attended a conference for transgenders at Chennai last week promised to help her, says Selvi.
Muthuchelvan’s childhood was a torrid tale of toil but he strengthened himself with education and hard work.
“My poor parents in Tirunelveli wanted me to become a doctor. I realised even during my school days that I was a transgender, yet I was determined to fulfill my parents’ dream,” Selvi said.
After earning the degree in physiotherapy in 2007, Muthu got a job offer from the Spark Clinic at YMCA. “I worked there as a physiotherapist for a couple of years. Some MCC members, who observed my work and commitment, offered me a job at the club last year. I was treated well initially, but when I informed the management I have to undergo a sex change, there were mixed reactions,” Selvi said.
When Muthu returned to the club as Selvi after undergoing the free surgery at a government hospital in the city in April, she was shown the door.
“It was embarrassing when she started using the ladies toilet and our women members did not like it .Yet I was willing to provide her a separate toilet and restore her job, but she chose to leave,” said MCC president T. G. Thyagarajan.