Damini Sinha: Living Her Truth

Shoaib Tadavi (BAJMC S.Y.)

Pune (August 1, 2024): In 2014, the Supreme Court of India recognised transgender people as the ‘third gender,’ affirming their right to self-identify and granting them voting rights. This landmark decision marked a significant step towards inclusion, yet societal attitudes and acceptance lagged behind.

Damini Sinha, a 44-year-old transgender woman from Pune and the first trans software engineer, shared her story of living authentically and embracing her identity as a woman. In 2007, Sinha worked in an IT company as a male employee but struggled with her identity, feeling an inner conflict between her outward appearance and true self. She recalls, “There was no identity before 2014. I have been working since 2007. I had to go like a male, neglecting and always questioning my true identity. Before 2014, we didn’t even have acceptance or identification for transgenders. After the 2014 Supreme Court judgement, we got our identity, but acceptance is still missing. But at least we have our identity.”

Despite having a stable job and supportive friends and family, Sinha faced societal judgement, with many dismissing her feelings as “unnatural.” This inner turmoil led her to alcohol abuse and contemplating an escape from her distress. However, she chose sobriety and embraced her true identity, renaming herself and embarking on a new journey.

After her transition, Sinha feared being included in the ‘hijra’ community against her will. She explains, “Back then, I thought if I feel like this or after transition, I will have to leave my job and join the hijra community. Every hijra is transgender, but every transgender is not a hijra.”

Initially unfamiliar with transgender communities and the term ‘LGBTQ+,’ Sinha feared societal rejection and financial instability, often associated with being a transgender person in India. However, she resolved that her gender identity would not dictate her career or economic status, showcasing resilience and determination.

In 2019, the Supreme Court passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, which aimed to protect transgender individuals from discrimination and ensure their representation in employment and education. However, despite legal progress, societal attitudes remained slow to change. The lack of gender-neutral or transgender-specific facilities and comprehensive education on gender diversity highlighted ongoing challenges. According to a report by the Times of India, 487,000 individuals identified as transgender, with a literacy rate of just 56.07%. The National Human Rights Commission’s report revealed that 99% of transgender people in India face social rejection, emphasising the discrimination and exclusion they experience.

While some organisations and individuals advocate for transgender rights, others exploit the community for profit or publicity. Sinha’s visit to the Commissioner of Welfare Office, where promises were made for gender-neutral toilets in Pune, exemplifies unfulfilled commitments. After the transition, she received many invitations from various organisations. She significantly remembers one event where she boldly questioned the audience, “How do you recognize me? As a transgender or hijra?”

However, there are positive strides, such as Sassoon Hospital’s special transgender ward and Pimpri-Chinchwad’s installation of transgender toilets. Sinha believes, “Awareness and sensitisation programs are crucial for promoting acceptance and understanding of transgender and LGBTQ+ communities. They help challenge stereotypes, reduce discrimination, and build a more inclusive society.”

Notable figures like Gauri Sawant and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi continue to inspire and advocate for transgender rights, though the broader conversation often focuses on personal stories rather than systemic change. It’s essential to recognise that historically, Indian culture, as reflected in ancient texts like the Ramayana, respected and included transgender individuals, a perspective lost during British colonisation.

“Awareness and sensitisation programs are crucial for promoting acceptance and understanding of transgender and LGBTQ+ communities. They help challenge stereotypes, reduce discrimination, and build a more inclusive society.”

Despite the social and cultural barriers Damini has faced, she gracefully lives her life by the mantra, “It’s a small life. I want to make memories even in my hard times. I will live my life for myself.”

Transgender people are humans deserving of the same rights as anyone else. As India progresses, it is crucial to challenge outdated mindsets and ensure that transgender individuals can live with dignity and equality. Damini’s words resonate: “When it comes to sexual identity and gender identity, you are not wrong. Don’t be afraid of anybody.”

“When it comes to sexual identity and gender identity, you are not wrong. Don’t be afraid of anybody.”

(With inputs from Sakshi Pandhare, BAJMC SY)