This was among a slew of questions that Obama was asked at a Town Hall here attended by about 250 changemakers from across the country. Akkai Padmashali, a transgender activist, had posed the question on the suffering and rejection faced by the community.
Obama, who had chosen Padmashali from the audience to ask a question, said that a change requires steady education of the public and political strategy and that it is going to take time.
Obama said finding the voice and being able to tell that story leads to breaking down of perceptions that "you are different". Because then the people start to "recognise their own experiences in you", he said.
Padmashali's question was, "Mr President. I am a trangender woman. I was a sex worker, I was a beggar. I was rejected by all sections of the society... I have so many issues to bring before you as a social activist.
Padmashali, who came from Bengaluru to attend the event hosted by the Obama Foundation, said across the world, transgenders were "facing rejection", even as "we are seeking love, affection and acceptance. How do I deal with that?"
The 44th US president, who held office between 2009 and 2017, also said, "Once the voice is there, hopefully others join you, and then you have networks and organisations and allies.
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