Transpersons speak out against online backlash over Dorothy

A cross-section of transpersons in Chennai on Monday (September 28, 2026) has urged the public to not to criticise the recently released Tamil film ‘Dorothy’, as it showcases the lived experiences of the community. This comes after the film, released on September 25, faced homophobic and transphobic backlash online for the portrayal of the community.

Welcoming the movie, transwomen thanked director Karthik Subbaraj for portraying their experience very well.

Addressing the media, Kalaimamani Sudha, a transwoman said, “The movie is an eye opener for the public which showcases how transpersons live from childhood. As organisations, we couldn’t take such messaging across to the public on a large scale, we are glad that the movie does this.” She pointed out that in the past many movies have portrayed the community in a harsh light, not showcasing the truth just to move a plot forward. “This movie seemed as though I was watching my own experience come to the big screen. Our life is in the film,” said Vaishnavi, a transwoman.

A poster of the film Dorothy.

Speaking about the backlash, Sudha added there’s a difference between sexual orientation and gender. “There is a need for good gender education to be imparted to the public. The general public are confusing themselves between two different sections,” she said.

Narrating her own experience, transwoman Meghna said she hid her true self for over 15 years to accommodate society’s expectations. “The movie is showing the truth of our community, for which we are very glad.”

Transpersons further requested the public to see the good intentions of the film and not to assume the worst of it.