When Kochi Metro hired 23 transgenders as ground staff, it was hailed as a progressive step, not just in India, but across the globe. However, within days reports had emerged that the transgender employees have started quitting jobs, even before getting their first salary. Not because they were not satisfied with their jobs, but due to the social stigma, that refused to go away. Nine out of the 23 transgender staffers had stopped reporting to work as it became increasingly difficult for them to find accommodations.