While traveling in trains, when I see the transgenders , my first reaction as a child was that filled with fear and confusion. Later, when I read about few of their stories, I realized how painful their life is, thrown out by families, not accepted at school, no one is ready to employ them too. They are left with no choice but to resort to means like begging, performing for others to earn a living. The basic right of respect is denied to them as the society looks at them with anguish and hatred. When God created each one of us, who are we to treat them differently. Each one deserves the right to be treated equally and with dignity and respect.
The recent trailer of Taali , brought back all those visuals in front of me and I had to find out who Gauri Sawant was. The web series is a biopic on her life. She is a transgender activist from Mumbai. She was born as Ganesh and raised in Pune. Her mother died when she was seven years old and she was raised by her grandmother. She left her house at the age of 14 as she didn’t want to be a disappointment for her dad. Upon her arrival in Mumbai, fate led Sawant to encounter a friend who provided her with food and shelter. During this time, Gauri was introduced to the Humsafar Trust, a prominent LGBTQ+ organization in India, when she was only 16 years old.
In 2000, Gauri took the initiative to establish an NGO named Sakhi Char Chowghi Trust, which facilitates counselling for transgender individuals. She also serves as the goodwill ambassador for the Election Commission in Maharashtra. In 2013, Gauri Sawant played a pivotal role as one of the petitioners for the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). This collective effort culminated in the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2014 that officially acknowledged transgender individuals.
I was motivated by reading her story and what a significant contribution she has made to the entire transgender community. It is indeed people like her who selflessly help others without any expectations or favors in return. It is this supreme humanitarian act that makes them shine different and spread love and care throughout the world.
By: Hema Nair (Volunteer At RSKS India)