Story of transgender Mary and how she was treated by இயக்கம். They would have handled all representations of LGBTQ+ the same way. They were progressive before the rest of the world was 
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In 1989, a transgender woman, living in Thellipalai, Jaffna, was brought in for questioning by LTTE due to the way she was dressing/behaving. At that time, Sambavi was in charge of the Tellippalai women's team and started the investigation related to this incident.
The Transgender in question indicated to Sambavi and her team that she can never relate to being a male/dressing like one. She identifies herself as a woman and is comfortable being one. During this time, many did not have knowledge or understanding of the term transgender and these female cadres wrote a letter to the LTTE police headquarters requesting the next course of action.
As per the suggestion of headquarter, this transgender woman was brought in and was examined by a medical team that included a psychiatrist. Post examination, the medical team told concluded that she is transgender and that she should be allowed to live as a woman. She was also issued a letter indicating she should be comfortable in dressing and living her life on her own terms, if she was harassed/teased, she can always come to the LTTE police station for support and action. The very next day, feeling safe and secure, she dressed up in a saree and walked along the streets of Tellippalai to Marudhanar Madam with her held high, as the entire town watched her in awe.
In the same week, 5 young men mocked her as she went to pray at St. Anthony's Church in Manipay. She lodged a complaint at the LTTE police station. 5 men were arrested and they were educated to be tolerant and to understand that as humans, we are all entitled to live how we choose to. They were warned that further harassment will lead to severe punishment.
In the de facto state of Tamil Eelam, everyone was treated equally and fairly. As the rest of the world is catching up on LGBTQ+ in this century, LTTE was far ahead & always wanted an inclusive society for all.
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