Actor Vijay, who is also the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), found himself at the center of controversy after the party released an official notification listing its various wings. Among them, the ‘Transgender Wing’ was notably placed at number 9 out of 28 subsidiary wings—a decision that quickly drew criticism. In colloquial Tamil, the number 9 has long carried derogatory connotations toward the transgender community, making the choice both insensitive and controversial.
As TVK gears up for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, it has announced various wings, including those for Information Technology, Advocacy, Media, Propaganda and Public Speaking, Training and Cadre Development, Climate Research and Environment, Historic Data Research and Fact-Checking, Students, and Women. However, placing the Transgender Wing at number 9 has sparked criticism from transgeder activists.
Trans rights activist Living Smile Vidya has slammed the part-time politician Vijay and his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for labeling their political wing “Transgender Wing” under the number 9. Vidya condemned the use of number 9, which has long been a derogatory term in Tamil Nadu, used to mock and shame the transgender community for being neither male nor female.
Criticizing the latest move by the actor-turned-politician, Vidya took to her official X account to state that, “Time and again! This slur term „9“ has, has to haunt us! why? @tvkvijayhq I see you want to be inclusive, but why would you list it at 9. place?! is it some kind of sick joke? Irritating!! Dear Intellects, step up and be supportive to us, your silence encourages this bullshit!!”
இன்னும் எத்தனை நூற்றாண்டுகள் தாண்டா இந்த “9” என்னும் இழிவை நாங்கள் தூக்கி சுமக்க வேண்டும்? நடிகர் விஜய் திருநர் விங் என்று துவக்கியிருப்பது நல்ல விசயம். அதை 9ம் இடத்தில் லிஸ்ட் செய்ய வேண்டிய தேவை என்ன? இந்த பாடாவதி டார்க் ஜோக்கை உங்களின் படங்களோடு நிறுத்திக்கொள்ளுங்கள் விஜய்ண்ணா!… pic.twitter.com/QK7ZnGti5z
— Living Smile (@livingsmile) February 11, 2025
So far, TVK has not responded to the backlash.
Since the recent overhaul of TVK’s organizational structure, the party has been embroiled in controversy, with cadres raising concerns about the appointments at the district level. Many have accused the leadership of overlooking dedicated workers in favor of selecting controversial and dubious figures. In this context, the TVK’s decision to label the Transgender wing as No. 9 has sparked widespread criticism and ridicule.
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