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.
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Denne historien er fra June 12, 2024-utgaven av Outlook.
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Layers Of Lear
Director Rajat Kapoor and actor Vinay Pathak's ode to Shakespeare is an experience to behold
Loss and Longing
Memories can be painful, but they also make life more meaningful
Suprabhatham Sub Judice
M.S. Subbulakshmi decided the fate of her memorials a long time ago
Fortress of Desire
A performance titled 'A Streetcart Named Desire', featuring Indian and international artists and performers, explored different desires through an unusual act on a full moon night at the Gwalior Fort
Of Hope and Hopelessness
The body appears as light in Payal Kapadia's film
Ruptured Lives
A visit to Bangladesh in 2010 shaped the author's novel, a sensitively sketched tale of migrants' struggles
The Big Book
The Big Book of Odia Literature is a groundbreaking work that provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to the rich and varied literary traditions of Odisha
How to Refuse the Generous Thief
The poet uses all the available arsenal in English to write the most anti-colonial poetry
The Freedom Compartment
#traindiaries is a photo journal shot in the ladies coaches of Mumbai locals. It explores how women engage and familiarise themselves with spaces by building relationships with complete strangers
Love, Up in the Clouds
Manikbabur Megh is an unusual love story about a man falling for a cloud. Amborish Roychoudhury discusses the process of Manikbabu's creation with actor Chandan Sen and director Abhinandan Banerjee
