“I’m an Engineering graduate with a 1st class degree. Following up with that, I had passed the TNPSC Group 1 & 2 exams.

My father, who completed only 4th grade has been my inspiration. My mother had no education, & was from a fishermen’s community. Unfortunately, they passed away in an accident long back.

I had no support from the age of 13, which was the period I realised that I had feminine feelings. Of course, those were the hormones, but society brands us (trans people) with so much negativity and distrust attitudes.

One of my closest friends, Sridhar, encouraged me to get educated, to survive in society. Except for my friend and parents, nobody was aware of my gender in my early childhood.

I was scared and feared to reveal my gender as I know that I will get into trouble, get humiliated, get treated badly, call me with the worst names and will undoubtedly be harassed.

I worked as a makeup artist during my school days to pay fees for my school and college. Banks did not afford us by lending money since there was no one for surety signatures.

I fell on the feet of one of the bank managers and pleaded with him to help me continue my education. He was more than kind to come forward and accepted my request on providing a loan for my college.

Situations were worst at my college where the boys and seniors (male) began abusing me for my appearances and my behaviour. My college Deen, who is a former IAS, Mr.Moorthy, lent a helping hand throughout the completion of my education.

On a day-to-day basis, I don’t tell people I’m transgender. The thing about trans people is, we feel very normal. It’s the way we are, it’s only when people say you’re not normal that you feel that way.

After my graduation, I worked as an HR in a company, where I requested leave for my operation (transformation operation) – but they refused and kicked me out.

No company had the protocol to employ a transgender. I kept hearing companies saying that they cant hire a transgender which frustrated me so much.

In my mid-20s, I, fortunately, pinnacled my efforts on suppressing my gender and transformed positively into a trans-woman.

With no income, I got an opportunity to work with the Overseas Adventure Trip group where my job was to explain Indian culture to foreigners. At times, I worked in candle making and many other hand-suit jobs.

I would also like to mention and thank our advocates, Mr.Sajju Kumar & Prabhakaran for their efforts in winning many cases for trans people without gaining a penny. They had helped us win lawsuits against many injustice actions and practices.

Analysing the stages that I had crossed during this transformation, I realised that many other trans souls are awaiting to get aided.

It got me deep into my heart and pondered over being the change, rather than expecting it.

I’ve voiced for not only trans people but also for women and children’s welfare.
I’ve protested to harbour reservations for Transpeople as well.
I’m a Trans rights activist, founder & director of Self-confidence Transgender Social Welfare Trust.
I had helped 100s of transwomen to get their education and jobs in various industries such as medical, IT companies, freelancing and so on.
One of the colleges felicitated me with a Doctorate of Social Service for my works & endeavours.

I am strong with a team of 7000+ members in it now!

Trans people are the same as everyone else, our ideals in life are to be happy, respected, comfortable. I’ve had people who have openly said to me that they’ve had prejudices around trans people but as soon as they’ve met me they’ve understood more about how we live and that we are also normal humans with the same feelings, emotions, and tears. It’s who I am and the way that I was born. There’s no real difference between myself and people who are cisgender [non-transgender].”

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