A phone helpline, named ‘Manasu’ has been launched in Tamil Nadu for transgenders on Friday.

The helpline number '044-25990505' will assist transgenders, whose population is about 50,000 in the state.

The Tamil Nadu AIDS Initiative is being administered by Voluntary Health Service (VHS).

Dr. Lakshmi Bai, Project Director, TAI –VHS, said, “For those who want to understand the issues related to transgenders, this helpline will serve as a gateway of information and counselling.”

At the launch, she also discussed the methods in which people could be psychologically affected, which marks the beginning of the transition into the transgenders.

This phone line also directs the general public on understanding transgenders, provide methods of helping them and breakouts false notions around the society.

Subburaj, Health Secretary, said, “This is a good inititative to break the barriers and mainstream the transgenders. The government is willing to give support from their end.”