Being a trans woman has not hindered my relationship with the many friends I have in Sri Lanka. Everywhere I visited, the people have made me feel safe and endowed me with much warmth
Smt. Apsara Reddy, National General Secretary of the All India Mahila Congress is the first transgender office-bearer in the Indian National Congress. Her life is her message to the transgender community to arise, awake and not stop until the goal is achieved, come what may. She is famously referred to as India’s Caitlyn Jenner and hailed for her resilience, courage and unconventional approach, forward-thinking, and compassionate nature.
She has faced many obstacles in life as a member of the Transgender community in a conservative society; nevertheless, it has made her bold, wise and strengthened her resolve to fight for truth and justice.
She believes in working to uplift the marginalized communities in India, especially, the women and youngsters, who may have a gender identity crisis. She has been active in her fight for their rights.
Apsara talks to Youth Observer about Lanka, her culture, food and hospitality, the everyday struggles of the transgender community. Her mantra in life is – “Live as the best version of your true identity.”
Q: How does it feel to be the first transgender Congresswoman in the All India Mahila Congress?
It’s an honour to be a part of one of the world’s largest, and oldest political parties, the Indian National Congress. This is the party whose leaders laid down their lives during the struggle for India’s independence.
As a transgender woman, I have broken many barriers to find my freedom and dignity. Being a part of the Congress Party gives me great respect and honour, to serve my country with freedom and dignity.
Q: What is your political aspiration for the Party and the communities?
Rahul Gandhi, MP and former AICC President and Sushmita Dev, former MP and President of Mahila Congress mentioned that one’s gender isn’t a hindrance when it comes to serving the people. Being in the Indian National Congress helps me to serve the people with the right intent, focus and leadership.
Q: Is it true that you chose to move to India while "having it good" in London?
I was living in London, and had a very good job.
I was working for a media organization and was with the Commonwealth Secretariat. I wanted to come back to India and pursue my dreams, as there is much to be done here.
I wanted to live my life in India, in my own country with my true identity.
The opportunities that came my way since coming back are overwhelming.
Leaving London was indeed a good decision.
Q: Did you find it tough to adapt to your lifestyle as a trans woman?
As a trans woman I had had to brave many struggles, judgment and prejudice, which I faced in silence and dignity.
Despite all that I've been through, I feel I have a strong purpose in life. I made it a point to find a job, interact with people and get myself out there.
People have said many uncomfortable things to me, which I have always responded to, with a dignified silence.
Q: India’s approach has changed towards the LGBTQ community. Do you think there should be changes and recognition in other countries?
India is going in the right direction concerning the rights of the LGBTQ community, as the Supreme Court has recognised the rights of the community. However, I find the government’s stand remains anti-LGBTQ as the Prime Minister and the Bhartiya Janata Party didn’t give voice to strike down Section 377 of the IPC. It was the Supreme Court, which advised the government to educate government employees to be more sensitive to the issues of LGBTQ rights.
Q: How do you think the SAARC region reacts to the trans community, as some countries still have issues with them?
I have been to Sri Lanka many times, and the Sri Lankan people are an extremely harmonizing lot. They believe in human rights and dignity. Every time I visited the island I have had amazing experiences, from her culture to food and hospitality.
Being a trans woman has not hindered my relationship with the many friends I have in Sri Lanka. Everywhere I visited, the people have made me feel safe and endowed me with much warmth.
Q: What would you like to say to the youth who are having issues with gender identity?
My advice to those trying to come to terms with sexuality and gender identity is, live your true self. Carry yourself with dignity and intellect, pursue your dreams and make your success story, and don’t be bound by the world’s ideas about you.