“Since childhood, I have always identified as a girl. Growing up in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, I was raised in a humble family that prioritized education as the path to success and respect in society. By the time I was 15, I realized I was a woman trapped in a man’s body. This realization brought many struggles, especially in a society quick to judge.
Discrimination began early. The taunts in school were hard to bear, often making me skip classes and feel utterly alone. My mother was my strongest support during those tough times. While my father, a farmer, initially opposed my dreams of education, my mother always encouraged me to pursue my studies and reminded me to live with dignity. Her belief in me kept me going when it felt like the world was against me.
After completing my master’s degree in economics, I explored various professional paths, including a stint as a lecturer and later as an HR professional in an MNC.
These experiences helped me build my skills while I continued to dream of acting. Eventually, I moved to Mumbai, initially to work for an NGO, but my heart was always set on performing and modeling.
A significant turning point in my life was undergoing sex reassignment surgery, which allowed me to finally express my true self. This change was incredibly liberating, yet breaking into the acting world remained a challenge. Despite my qualifications, I faced rejection after rejection, often due to my identity. Companies would deny me jobs after seeing my school certificates, which listed me as male. It was a constant battle for acceptance.
In 2018, I participated in the Miss Transqueen India pageant, which opened many doors in the entertainment industry and helped me gain visibility as a model.
Now, I am grateful to be contesting in Miss Universe Trans 2024—a journey that feels both surreal and empowering. I can’t wait to represent my community on such a grand stage. I feel proud being a trans woman from India representing the Miss Universe Trans platform. It’s not just about the title for me; it’s a chance to showcase the diversity and strength of our community on a global stage.
I have also worked in the Transgender Protection Cell, Women Safety Wing, Telangana Police as a coordinator protecting the rights of transgender persons. I also worked as a Constitution Fellow with Yashi NGO to mass communicate our constitution through art.
Currently, I work as an anchor, newsreader, model, and actor. Each of these roles allows me to express myself and connect with people in different ways. Being in the public eye gives me the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and inspire others, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.
I also work with initiatives like Pride Place, which supports the LGBTQIA+ community, helping people like me find the resources and acceptance we deserve. I believe representation in modeling and acting is crucial for the transgender community, and I want to advocate for more opportunities in these fields.
To anyone aspiring to achieve their dreams, my message is simple: never give up, no matter the obstacles you face. The journey may be filled with challenges and setbacks, but it’s essential to believe in yourself, pursue your passions, and not let anyone define your worth. Your dreams are valid, and with determination and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
I often think about my mother and wish she could see how far I’ve come. Losing my parents has been challenging, but their love continues to inspire me. I’ve faced rejection and tough times, but I’m still here—still fighting, still dreaming big, and standing up for myself.
My ultimate goal is to be a lead actor in the movies, a dream I truly believe will come true. I want to use my platform to advocate for the transgender community, showing that we can live with dignity and achieve our dreams, just like everyone else.”
- Harshini Mekala, Actor, Influencer & Model