“I am Chandramukhi Muvvala, a transwoman, social activist, classical dancer, and actress in the Telugu film industry. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve kept moving forward—because I knew I wasn’t alone in this fight. It’s been a long road, with many hurdles—but I’ve never stopped trying to make things better, not just for me, but for others like me.

Growing up in the 1990s, I found comfort in activities traditionally associated with girls and often felt out of place among boys. This difference made me a target for bullying and misunderstanding. Back then, there was little awareness or support for individuals like me. Even medical professionals lacked the knowledge to guide us appropriately.

In 2011, I made the courageous decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery. Unfortunately, this led to estrangement from my family, and I found myself without a home. I had nowhere to go. I slept at bus stops, skipped meals for days, and questioned if I’d ever survive. But I wasn’t alone for long. A trans woman named Suma took me in and introduced me to the community. That’s when I found my people—and my purpose.

My background in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form, became my sanctuary and livelihood.
Later, I joined Pehchaan, an NGO working for the rights of transgender persons across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. I learnt about policies, legal rights, and how to organise. Media began writing about me, and eventually, my family began to understand. They saw that I was capable, strong, and that being different didn’t make me any less human.

In 2018, I took a significant step by contesting in the Telangana Assembly elections from the Goshamahal constituency, becoming the state’s first transgender candidate.

But acceptance at home isn’t enough. So many trans children grow up without support, without guidance, and without hope. We struggle with our identities in silence, thinking something is wrong with us. And when we finally accept who we are, society turns against us.

However, our fight doesn’t end here. Legal recognitions, like the 2014 NALSA judgment, are commendable, but without tangible support in education, employment, and healthcare, many in our community continue to struggle. We need structured policies, reservations in government jobs, and societal acceptance to truly thrive.

That’s why I continue to speak up and push for change, not just for myself, but for the entire community. I recently collaborated with the Cyberabad Women and Children Safety Wing to facilitate the recruitment of transgender individuals as traffic marshals. It wasn’t just about employment; it was about breaking stereotypes and creating visibility in public roles where we’re rarely seen.

In my recent meeting with Minister Seethakka garu, I requested that more transgender persons be recruited as home guards in Hyderabad. These steps may seem small, but they open doors. They tell our people, you deserve to be here. You matter.

We are not just symbols of inclusivity; we are active contributors to society. Our fight for equality and respect continues, and I am committed to leading the way.”