Mangaluru: A website was launched on Tuesday by enterpreneur Neysara Rai. The website, www.transgenderindia.com, was intended at providing 24x7 holistic help and support discussion forum for intersex and transgender people and their families.

Addressing mediapersons in Mangaluru on Tuesday, she said, "The transgender people are forced to beg or indulge in sex work for livelihood. There is a need to motivate them to engage in dignified work. Most transsexuals live in stealth mode and are referred to as 'Hijras' by others. 'Hijra' is a derogatory term and all transwomen are not Hijras."

She went on to add that the transgender people are scared to even seek medical professional for help due to stigma associated with them.

She said that the initiative is a non-funded independent step to create a better future for transgenders. The website will function as a basic resource for understanding transsexuals and intersex issues and also to eradicate the misnomers related with them, she added.