“SHOULD I wear a sari or a western dress for the Parade? I also have a performance to give. I hope I don’t mess it up,” Masoom muttered as she sat down to catch her breath. She works at Satrangi Dostana Restaurant, Bakarganj, Patna, which is run by individuals from the trans community. This community-based organisation was registered by the Bihar government in June 2021 under the 1860 Act and is supported by Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC). I met Masoom at the restaurant a day before the Pride Parade in Patna.
This Parade has been held in Bihar for the last eight years. This year, Patna Pride Parade took place in July. Dostanasafar, an NGO, was the organiser. Reshma Prasad, trans rights activist, social worker and member of the National Council for Trangender Persons is the founder secretary of Dostanasafar. A team led by Prasad organised the only Pride Parade in and of Bihar.
Sitting cross-legged at the restaurant, wearing skin-coloured stockings, a black pencil skirt, a grey top and her hair pulled up into a bun, Masoom told me her village is in Danapur, Bihar. “When I was six or seven years old I was sent to the boys’ hostel. I was a boy then. I mean, born as a boy. I felt uncomfortable at that hostel and I told my mother about it.” Masoom was then shifted to a co-ed hostel. “When I was younger and presented as a boy, people used to mock me for my body language, the way I talked. Now, I often pass as a girl, and if someone tries to bully me, I reply at once,” she said.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der 1 Sep 2023-Ausgabe von Outlook.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der 1 Sep 2023-Ausgabe von Outlook.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Dera, Drugs And Despair
Punjab poll pitch is seeing interesting twists and turns this election season
Allure Of Hatefulness Beyond Hate Speech
Polarisation between the Hindus and the Muslims is an unappetising reality, an ugliness that will not go away even after the votes get counted
Shine Off Sonar Bangla
Since the ant displacement movements against the Left Front government in 2006-08, Bengal has seen increased corruption, communalisation of politics and the rise of welfarism
Carnatic Cauldron
For the BJP-led NDA, 400 paar will remain a dream if the South Indian states choose to look the other way
The Young & the Restless
A new crop of young Dalit leaders shine in Uttar Pradesh's political Armament
In The Name Of Ram
For the people of Hazaribagh, famous for its Ram Navamii, life is a tussle between peace, processions and politics
Shell Company?
The power play between the BJP and the BJD in Odisha appears to be an electoral gimmick. Post elections, they may have each other's back
Peak Season in the Pir Panjal
Politicians excel at stirring up emotions at election time, and Kashmiris are torn between responding with cries or slogans
Seeds of Betrayal
Forget about doubling their income, Haryana's farmers are living a life in penury
Capital Contest
Could an alliance of former foes prevent a hat-trick for the BJP in Delhi?