"WE HAVE REACHED A POINT WHERE WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS"

Laxmi Narayan Tripathi is a trailblazing transgender activist who has been instrumental in securing legal rights and changing perceptions of the transgender community.

- Laxmi Narayan Tripathi

She was the principal petitioner in the landmark NALSA case of 2014 before the Supreme Court for the recognition of transgender individuals as a distinct gender identity – the ‘third gender’ – and their entitlement to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

Tripathi is a multi-faceted individual. She is a Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, motivational speaker, and has even dabbled in Bollywood films and reality shows. Notably, she also served as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, a position of leadership within the community.

Her autobiography, titled Main Hijra, Main Laxmi, offers a personal perspective on her experiences and struggles. Tripathi’s ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is a testament to her unwavering dedication to equality and social justice. Edited excerpts from an interview with Naina Gautam:

How has the public attitude towards the LGBTQIA+ community changed during your lifetime?

There is now greater acceptance and understanding of the community, leading to less stigma and discrimination. In the past, there was no recognition of the community. Then, the Supreme Court gave its landmark NALSA judgement, followed by its ruling on the transgender issue. Later, Section 377 was read down. Now, even the civil union and equal marriage issues have been dealt with by the apex court.

What about transgender people?

The Parliament passed the Transgender Act, 2019 and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment oversees transgender affairs and launched the Smile Project.

The Ministry of Social Justice has developed policies that have had a significant impact on the transgender community. Transmen, transwomen, kinnar, and hijras are now more visibly recognised as sexual minorities, and their lives have drastically changed for the better. Empowerment is the most significant change, and it is vital for their well-being.