“The Christmas season has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up in Balusupadu, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, the lights, prayers, and Christmas celebrations weren’t just festive; they were moments when I felt a sense of belonging. My mother would take me to church, and those quiet, sacred moments together gave me strength in a world that often didn’t understand me. Even now, when I celebrate with my sisters and loved ones, I feel her presence in every tradition, every decoration, every prayer.

I was assigned male at birth, but I knew from a young age that I was a girl. Expressing that truth wasn’t easy. School was filled with teasing and judgment, and society’s cruelty felt relentless. Yet, my mother stood by me. She never had a formal education, but she taught me dignity, self-respect, and resilience. “Your education is your strength,” she would say, holding my hand through every challenge.

With her guidance, I completed my Master’s in Economics and began my career as a lecturer, later working in HR at a multinational company. But the path to becoming my true self meant taking brave steps. Transitioning was life-changing, yet acceptance was not instant. Doors closed because of my identity, and certificates listing me as male became obstacles.

In 2018, I found a platform that celebrated who I am. Participating in Miss Transqueen India opened doors to modeling, acting, and advocacy. In 2024, being crowned Miss Universe Trans Asia and finishing as Miss Universe Trans Runner-up was more than an accolade; it was a recognition of the journey, struggles, and triumphs that brought me here.

Today, I work with the Telangana Police’s Transgender Protection Cell, collaborate with NGOs, and anchor and act across media platforms and movies. Every milestone carries my mother’s strength.

Her unwavering belief fuels me, her lessons guide me, and in every celebration, especially Christmas, I feel her beside me, whispering courage into my life.”

• Harshini Mekala