“Growing up as a trans woman, I faced my share of struggles. From a young age, I knew I was meant to be a woman, but society often made that difficult to express. My childhood was marked by bullying and isolation. I felt like I was always on the outside, searching for acceptance in a world that seemed to reject anyone who didn’t fit the norm.
For years, I felt trapped between who I was and what society expected me to be. Desperate to survive, I found myself resorting to begging and, at times, sex work. Deep down, I always knew I could create a different life for myself. I just needed the right opportunity.
In 2021, everything began to change when I discovered skill development programs offered by the Telangana State Government’s Department for Women Development and Child Welfare. I got myself enrolled in a training program focused on jute bag manufacturing, and for the first time, I felt like I was truly on the right path. Surrounded by other trans women and supportive trainers, I learned valuable skills that empowered me to take charge of my life.
Coming out to my family was another significant step in my journey. At first, they were hesitant and struggled to understand my identity. But after talking openly with them many times, they began to see me for who I truly am. That support gave me the confidence to embrace who I am fully.
With the skills I gained, I started my own venture, Premaleela Creations, where I manufacture and sell eco-friendly jute and cotton bags. Seeing my designs turn into real products fills me with joy and pride. I also wanted to help others, so I began training other trans women and women from my community, sharing what I had learned and guiding them toward self-sufficiency.
Right now, I’m participating in the ongoing SARAS FAIR 2024, where I have a stall to showcase my jute bags. This event feels like a celebration, and it’s exciting to meet people who appreciate what I’ve created. Earlier this June, I had the honor of welcoming Chief Minister Revathi Reddy sir to my stall, along with Minister Ponnam Prabhakar sir and Seethakka madam.
Their encouragement, along with the support of several people like Divya Devarajan madam, and trans activists, as well as a few social activists in Hyderabad has inspired me tremendously.
Living as a trans woman comes with its own set of challenges, including stigma and discrimination. While we’ve made progress, many in our community still face barriers to education, employment, and healthcare. Acceptance in society is a journey we’re still on. I firmly believe we deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It’s important for society to recognize our humanity and support our development.
Recently, the Telangana government has sought to include trans individuals by looking for traffic volunteers from our community. This initiative is a step in the right direction. It’s about visibility and acceptance in public spaces. Opportunities like this are crucial for building a society where trans people can thrive and contribute positively.
I dream of building a home that represents my journey and the effort I’ve put into creating a better life for myself. My business has attracted nearly 80 multinational corporations as clients, allowing me to support myself and uplift those around me.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle has shaped who I am today. I hope to inspire others to embrace their true selves and chase their dreams. We are all human, deserving of respect and love. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their identity, is empowered to live authentically and with pride.”
- Prema, Entrepreneur