It’s not every day that a transgender walks into a clinic and feels comfortable. Nor is it commonplace that they can get their doubts addressed and even help them with everyday issues like getting an Aadhar Card, PAN, and other certificates. This vacuum is being filled by Mitr Clinic in Narayanaguda. It’s a safe haven for transgenders in the city to openly discuss their issues with other transgenders.

Called the ‘Safe Zindagi Mitr Clinic,’ it is run by transgenders for fellow transgenders. The place has two doctors, counselors, and support staff to cater to the physical, mental, and psychological conditions of the transgender community in the city.

However, it was not an easy task for the clinic founders to gain the trust of the city’s community. After a wobbly start, they are now considered to be the go-to place by many, without any inhibitions. Things like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are also addressed at the Clinic. This is Telangana state’s first such center where transgenders can get support in a safe, empathetic, and friendly environment, shares clinic manager Shreya Reddy.

The Clinic is open from 10 am to 6 pm for community members. Well-known activist for transgender rights, Rachana Mudraboyina, has been quite active in getting the members to find an oasis in the Clinic. She says all healthcare workers here are well-qualified, and all medical services available here are based on sciences.