Sat Jan 18 18:58:49 UTC 2025: ## Transwomen and Women Make Strides in Traditional Tamil Nadu Bull-Taming Sport
**Madurai, Tamil Nadu, January 19, 2025** – The annual Jallikattu bull-taming events in Madurai district saw a significant increase in female and transgender participation this year, highlighting a shift in this traditionally male-dominated sport. While challenges remain, the victories and ongoing efforts underscore a growing push for inclusivity.
G. Keerthana, a transwoman bull owner, achieved a significant win at the Alanganallur Jallikattu, her bull remaining untamed in the arena. This victory, seven years after her first participation, symbolizes the growing acceptance of transwomen in the sport. However, Keerthana highlights ongoing issues with token distribution, limiting participation for many transwomen, including Theni Aishwarya, who was unable to participate this year. Keerthana emphasizes that the community seeks equal access, not separate events.
Similarly, young women are increasingly participating. Azhagu Pechi, a Class IX student, plans to participate after turning 18, following in her father’s footsteps and achieving a victory with their family bull this year. However, V. Sneha, a regular participant, was unable to secure a token this year, highlighting the persistent challenges faced even by cisgender women.
Despite the limited number of bulls allowed due to regulations (1000 out of 12,000 registered), Tamil Nadu’s Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister, P. Moorthy, assures that women and transpersons are not sidelined and encourages those unsuccessful this year to apply for future events.
Historical evidence suggests a longer history of women’s involvement in bull rearing, although direct evidence of female participation in bull-taming is limited. Archaeological findings and Tamil literary works indicate women’s historical connection to bull rearing, further supporting the contemporary efforts towards greater inclusivity. Historians point to evidence from the Sangam period and stories surrounding Veerapandiya Kattabomman to support this claim.
The increased participation of women and transwomen in Jallikattu represents a significant cultural shift, though the fight for equal access and fairer token distribution continues. The ongoing efforts of participants like Keerthana and the rising interest among young women signify a potential transformation of this ancient sport.
First Piper 