International Transgender Day of Visibility, 2022 : Inspirational stories of successful transgenders of India, who became first in each field

 

Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual awareness day celebrated around the world on March 31. The day is dedicated to recognizing the resilience and accomplishments of the transgender and gender nonconforming people. On this day, we celebrate the trans people amongst us, raise awareness about the struggles that they face, and advocate for more protected rights for them in a bid to reform society and empower this community as it so rightfully deserves.

Today, transgender community is successful in making its own identity in every field from education to politics, medical to judiciary. On the occassion of International Transgender Day of Visibility 31 March, 2022, we want to share  motivational stories of those Indian transgenders who have emerged from among us and became first in each field.

In the medical field: Haldhar Gummaraju, Beyoncé Laishram, VS Priya

India's first transwoman Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju from Karnataka

Karnataka's first 23-year-old transwoman doctor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju (formerly Angad Gummaraju) says - "Growing up trans person in India means a relentless othering. Trans surgery in India is considered above all discrimination on the basis of caste, class, religion and disability. In such a situation, there is a need to develop transgender healthcare in India at present." After completing MBBS exams she is now interning at the Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal. 

Transgender Dr VS Riya from Kerala

On the other hand, Doctor VS Riya (earlier Jeenu Sasidharan), a transgender woman from Kerala, says – “I realized that it would be difficult for me to live as a boy, I am happy after the surgery, able to overcome my inner physical and mental agony. My family has helped me a lot, not only that, I am working as the first transgender doctor of Kerala today.”

 Transgender Dr Beyoncé Laishram 

Recently transwoman doctor Beyoncé Laishram has emerged as the first transgender doctor not only from Manipur but also from North-East. Beyoncé is appointed as a resident doctor at Shihaja Hospital and Medical Institute, Imphal.

From legal field: Satyashree Sharmila, Joya Mondal, Prathika Yashini

 Satyashree Sharmila became India's first transgender lawer

40-year-old Satyashree Sharmila has become India's first transgender lawyer, setting aside all the orthodox mindset. She not only followed the rules of law but also came out as an example to fight against injustice. According to the report of News ANI, Sathyashree says – “Tamil Nadu, which is known as the state with its highest literacy rate, suffered a lot of atrocities because of my gender, now I registered myself  in the Council of TamilNadu and Puducherry. After a lot of struggle in life, now I have become the first transgender lawyer in India."

India's first transgender Judge Joyata Mandal

In the year 2017, 29-year-old trans woman Joyeta Mondal (earlier Joynto) has been appointed as the first transgender judge in the Lok Adalat of North Bengal. Joita says- She was inspired to pursue a law degree while working with an organization fighting for transgender rights.

India's first transgender Police officer  Prathika Yashini 

After falling behind by just one point but achieving all the success in the physical test, Tamil Nadu's trans woman Prathika Yashini (earlier Pradeep Kumar) came before the country as a successful woman sub inspector.

In the field of education: Manabi Bandopadhyay

India's first transgender Principal Manabi Bandopadhyay 

On 7 June 2015, Kolkata's transgender Manabi Bandopadhyay (earlier Somnath Banerjee) not only became the first transgender principal of Krishnanagar Women's College, but is currently the first transgender person to be a professor as well as the first transgender person to have a PhD.  Manabi has also been a professor of Bengali at Vivekananda Satabarshiki Mahavidyalaya. In the field of education: Manabi Bandopadhyay

On 7 June 2015, Kolkata's transgender Manabi Bandopadhyay (earlier Somnath Banerjee) not only became the first transgender principal of Krishnanagar Women's College, but is currently the first transgender person to be a professor as well as the first transgender person to have a PhD.  Manabi has also been a professor of Bengali at Vivekananda Satobarshiki Mahavidyalaya.

In the field of politics: Mumtaz and Shabnam Mausi

India's first transgender Mayor Kamala bua

Kamala bua fought elections from Katni district on the basis of her education and ability she became an example for the society by becoming the first eunuch mayor of not only India but the world.

Mumtaz

Mumtaz, who has also worked as a social worker, enrolled from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to contest elections in Punjab. Mumtaz Bhucho, who has been working with BSP for 11 years, has contested from Mandi constituency.

India's first transgender MLA Shabnam Mausi

At the same time, Shabnam Mausi is a knower of 12 types of languages ​​even after not getting the support of her family due to being born as a transgender. He contested from Sohagpur constituency of Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh.

Transgender K. Sneha considering her candidature as an opportunity and looking forward to contest the local body elections from Kannur Ward 36 to improve the situation in the area.

India's first transgender soldier: Shabi

Shabi became India's first transgender soilder

Transwoman Shabi (earlier MK Giri) joined the Eastern Navy's Marine Engineering Department about eight years ago. In a conversation with ANI news agency, Shami says that - "I was born as a male but I used to feel uncomfortable in that body, due to which I got sex reassignment surgery in Delhi in 2016. Due to which no one had any objection and now I am working as the first transgender soldier in the naval department of Visakhapatnam.

In Entertainment Sector: Six Pack Band

Six Pack Band emerged as India's first transgender music band

Six Pack Band has emerged in 2016, as India's first transgender musical group. The band comprises six members- Fida Khan, Ravina Jagtap, Asha Jagtap, Chandni Suvarnakar, Komal Jagtap, and Bhavika Patil. Back in 2016, Y-Films, the youth entertainment division of Yash Raj Films, launched India’s first transgender music band- 6 Pack Band.

Let’s join hands together with the trans community to make our world strengthen on this Transgender Day.