“Becoming who I am took years of determination and courage. School was difficult, but in the 8th standard, a gender awareness session introduced me to LGBTQI+ identities, giving my feelings a clear name. Coming from a conservative background, I carried that truth in silence until moving to Hyderabad for my B.Sc., which gave me perspective towards my identity.

During my second year of college, I chose to join the Hijra community, and for my survival, I begged on the streets. Though it was a difficult phase, I knew I wanted to build a different path for myself. An NGO called Sabrang gave me a vital foothold. I began Hormone Replacement Therapy, worked part-time, saved for gender affirmation surgery in 2024, and kept moving forward with the support of close friends.
A major turning point arrived when the Telangana government launched a groundbreaking initiative to recruit trans individuals as Traffic Assistants. I cleared the physical tests, completed the training, and earned my place in uniform.

Today, I stand proudly on duty in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad directing traffic and ensuring order on Hyderabad’s busy streets. Wearing my uniform gives me immense dignity and purpose. Serving the public every day proves what trans individuals can achieve when given equal opportunities.
I am deeply grateful to the Telangana government for opening this door. This initiative represents real progress and empowerment. Introducing horizontal reservations across government sectors, alongside permanent positions and healthcare benefits, will allow more trans individuals to build lasting, impactful careers.

I begged on the streets once. Today, I stand proudly as a Traffic Assistant, holding traffic steady on a Hyderabad road. That transformation happened because someone gave me a chance to serve my city. Give our community that same chance, and watch what we build.”

Abhinethri
Traffic Assistant, Hyderabad Traffic Police