“Pride Month isn’t just about celebration. For many of us, it’s a reminder that dignity, opportunity, and respect are still things we have to work hard for, step by step.

I’m Jasmine, a transgender woman from Bhimavaram, now living in Hyderabad. I started the Trans Equality Society to support our community — not just during tough times but by creating consistent pathways in health, livelihood, and self-respect.

When the lockdown happened, many of us lost our daily income. We began distributing grocery kits within the community to ensure no one went hungry. Around the same time, we started a small business preparing ginger-garlic paste and pickles. It was more than just a way to earn. It gave us a reason to hold our heads high.

That experience gave me the confidence to start Sai Krupa Snacks. We make traditional pindi vantalu like murukulu, chegodilu, janthikalu, and a few varieties of pickles. We once set up a small stall near Charlapalli Railway Station, and slowly, orders started coming in. These snacks brought in income, but more importantly, they gave us purpose and pride.

Through the Trans Equality Society, I’ve also been part of several health-related efforts. We worked with UNAIDS to start a small HIV care clinic, and we organised vaccination drives for queer and trans people who often struggle to access healthcare. We saw how unequal things still are, and we tried to bridge that gap in whatever way we could.

One of the most meaningful efforts I’ve been involved in was SAKSHAM, a community-based skill development programme supported by Mathroochaya Foundation, Telangana Transgender People’s Association, SIDBI, Bhumika Women’s Collective, and We-Hub. We offered training in tailoring, beautician services, computer skills, and entrepreneurship. The best part was that the trainers were from within our own trans community.

Apart from that, I’ve been part of legal aid camps, health camps, and awareness sessions. Walking in the Hyderabad Queer Swabhimana Yatra was a moment I’ll always remember. Being seen and heard in public is still not something we can take for granted, and that walk reminded me how far we’ve come.

The Transgender Help Desk at Gachibowli Police Station was another important step. For the first time, I felt that a government space truly welcomed and acknowledged us.

The Telangana government has taken some encouraging steps. They’ve recruited transgender traffic assistants, set up Mythri Clinics focused on trans healthcare, and created Pride Place under the Women’s Safety Wing. These efforts may seem small from the outside, but they mean a lot for those of us who’ve spent years feeling invisible.

Outside of all this, I run a YouTube channel called Janamtho Jasmine, where I share stories from our community. Whether it’s about starting small businesses or navigating everyday life, I believe our voices matter and need to be heard.

I’m thankful to the Trans Equality Society, to the people in government who supported us, and to all the friends, family members, and fellow trans individuals who stood by me through everything. Their support helped me take the next step when I didn’t know what was ahead.

This Pride Month, I invite you to look beyond parades and hashtags. Support queer-led businesses. Try our products. Listen to our stories. Change starts with everyday choices.

We’re not asking for charity. We’re asking for the same chance as anyone else — a life with dignity and respect.”

— Jasmine, Founder, Trans Equality Society