“I am Dr. Nanditha Sekhar, a trans woman from Andhra Pradesh, currently serving as a CSR executive in a reputed organization. Born male, I was raised in my grandparents’ home due to health reasons and other untold circumstances that I believed were tied to my true identity. While other boys played cricket and games deemed suitable for them, I wished to play with Barbies and engage in pretend play. Because of my femininity, I was molested and teased by many seniors and peers. Bathrooms became my secret dressing rooms, where I would wear my grandmother’s and aunt’s clothes.
As time passed, I felt increasingly suffocated and exhausted, seeking refuge in books and writing stories, a passion that remained unknown to most of my family. I eventually moved back with my parents, determined not to accept the limited livelihood imposed on trans people by society. I wrote a letter to my parents, revealing my gender identity, but they lacked the courage to discuss it.
I found the strength to tell my parents that I felt and identified as a girl and could no longer pretend otherwise. My father took me to a psychiatrist, but the medication prescribed to “cure” me was ineffective. One day, I found employment as a transgender person with a reputed NGO called MSI, where I worked as a project coordinator. I promised my parents that my hands would never clap for money nor would my clothes be removed for anyone.
From there, I progressed to roles such as a documentation officer for the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), the youngest clinical advisory board member for India’s first transgender clinic, Mitr Clinic, and a researcher on social justice for queer people. I also became a transgender clinic manager, an ITES trainer, and held several other positions. A life-changing surprise came when I received an honorary doctorate in human rights for my tireless work in uplifting marginalized communities.
Seeing my father stand with pride as everyone applauded him for his support brought tears to my eyes. In that moment, I realized that the greatest respect I could offer my parents was to live authentically and achieve success. My journey has been vast, filled with pain and rejection, but also love and acceptance. As a CSR executive, I balance corporate goals with societal impact, engaging with communities and volunteers, leading sustainability projects, and ensuring ethical practices.
I collaborate with stakeholders for meaningful change, gaining respect and love within the company, advocating that the same respect is deserved by all community members. The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” but society still doesn’t love, accept, and respect us. Maybe they don’t have those qualities. As a Human Rights activist, I will continue to fight for a more inclusive and loving society, where everyone can live their truth without fear of rejection or persecution.
Today, I stand tall, proud of my identity and the work I do. I continue to fight for a more inclusive and loving society, where everyone can live their truth without fear of rejection or persecution. Let us all embrace diversity and promote inclusivity. Let us create a world where everyone can live without fear of judgment or rejection. Let us celebrate our differences and foster a culture of love, acceptance, and inclusivity for all!”