“I started the Trans Equality Society to support the transgender community not just during tough times but by creating consistent pathways in health, livelihood, and self-respect. For too long, transgender persons were denied opportunities and pushed into survival. Today, a historic change has begun.

The Telangana government has appointed 20 transgender persons as Security Guards in Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited. Seven of them are from our Trans Equality Society. Holding those appointment letters was not just about employment. It was dignity and recognition.

But this moment is also rooted in years of effort. Through the Trans Equality Society, we worked with UNAIDS to set up a small HIV care clinic and later organised vaccination drives for the queer and trans community, who often face barriers in accessing healthcare. We built SAKSHAM, a skill development programme with the support of Mathroochaya Foundation, Telangana Transgender People’s Association, SIDBI, Bhumika Women’s Collective, and We-Hub. Training in tailoring, beautician services, computers, and entrepreneurship was offered, and the best part was that the trainers were from within the transgender community itself.

I have also been part of legal aid camps, health camps, and awareness sessions. Walking in the Hyderabad Queer Swabhimana Yatra reminded me how far visibility can take us. The Transgender Help Desk at Gachibowli Police Station was another step forward — for the first time, I felt a government space truly welcomed us.

The state has taken some encouraging steps like appointing transgender traffic assistants, starting Mythri Clinics, and setting up Pride Place under the Women’s Safety Wing. These may seem small but they matter deeply to the transgender community. The Hyderabad Metro recruitment is a milestone, yet I believe more doors must open in railways, hospitals, education, and other departments.

This is just the beginning of a future where every transgender person can live with pride and equal opportunity.”

— Ms Jasmine, Founder, Trans Equality Society