In the past few years the discussion around gender identity has gained mainstream space, yet for many transwomen especially across India, the journey of becoming public and gaining societal acceptance remains complex. Understanding this harsh reality, the CSR Journal team held an open discussion with the transgender community on the occasion of International Women’s Day to closely examine their struggles. Their stories were more about courage, and dignity.

Symbolic way of liberating self

Twenty-four-year-old Ravia Kumari’s journey of self-acceptance began in childhood. He was born Ravinder, and for Ravia the identity of being male at birth was often difficult to associate with. “Since childhood, I was very uncomfortable in my body,” Ravia shared. “But due to social pressure and stigma, I continued playing the role of a male.” However, as Ravia grew up, social expectations forced her to suppress her identity. Whether it was family norms or fear of rejection, Ravia had to live a life that she always felt wasn’t her own. However, very recently Ravia has started coming out in public and embracing her real self: a transwoman. “Now that I am becoming more confident, I am coming out as female,” she said. “This Pride, I dressed as my inner calling, a woman, and openly addressed the public.”

Coming out as her true self wasn’t just a moment of visibility for Ravia, but it was more of a symbolic way of liberating self. For her even that moment was liberation towards happiness and personal satisfaction.

Advocating for community representation

Pushpa Mai who grew up with sisters since childhood and even dressed as a female to school, never thought of transformation because her family was supportive. But, over the years as she grew up, society started questioning her, and she was forced to transform. Today, she is a leader, philanthropist and even a protector for many in her community. Pushpa Mai represents a voice of leadership and advocacy within the transgender community. She is affectionately called “Pushpa Mai.” She runs an NGO for transgenders and has been actively working for their employment in some of the big companies across India. “I always dressed and wore clothes like a female, and my family did not stop me. However, societal attitudes still posed significant challenges. Persistent comments, mockery, and teasing eventually pushed me to make the transition.” She noted, “Because of the way society treated me, I decided to completely transform. For over two decades now, I have been living as my true self, and people lovingly know me as Pushpa Mai.”

Pushpa who is in her 50s, transformed her inspirational journey into a mission. From working closely with policymakers, to advocating for community representation, she works for opportunities for the transgender community.

“When it comes to gender discrimination, women are treated differently in our society, let alone the third gender. That is why, instead of only complaining, I started advocating and working with policymakers so that the third gender gets representation.”

A place of honesty and responsibility

Lalit Singh hails from Haryana and is popularly known as “Haryanvi Barbie.” Lalit proudly represents the queer community and has openly accepted her identity. While the journey of acceptance was tough and involved facing ridicule, things turned better once Lalit accepted herself. Now, she comes from a place of honesty and responsibility. “I believe that rather than spoiling any woman’s life by being a man, I decided to come out openly and let society accept me as I am,” she said.

Lalit even shared that society is accepting with time, yet there is time for full acceptance. “People accept, some understand, and many support,” she added with a smile.

The stories of Ravia Kumari, Pushpa Mai, and Lalit Singh give dimensions of life as a transwoman in India: their struggles with identity, societal prejudice, and the search for belonging.