The transgender community in India has long been marginalized and discriminated against on a social, economic, and political level. Transgender individuals frequently endure emotional and physical abuse, including sexual assault, because many people view them as abnormal or deviant. Many incidents are not reported because of legal recognition issues or fear of retaliation.
The actor Neerja Punia discloses that, due to her gender identity, she was denied access to a dhaba.
Neerja Punia says, “My preferred location should be Shri Ram Dhaba.” I go there to sip my chai and find solace. Still, the manager refused to let me in that particular night. The owner, sir, wants to talk to you, so Neerja should come out, he said. The owner said, “Aap yahan aakar dhande mat chalaao, aur yahan aana band kardo,” in response to my query. Remembering the incident, she says, “I am the kind of person who would rather sit in a corner and have my tea.” That was a very long time ago when she last went.
Neerja Punia also brought attention to the terrible conditions under which transgender people live in Haryana, where they are frequently ignored and treated in the same way as the underprivileged. She underlined how little information and assistance they have available to them. In an attempt to bring about change, she promotes transgender rights and spreads awareness on social media.
Neerja overcame a great deal of discrimination and hardship to pass every round of the in-person audition process. She had declared her desire to become a model and appear on the catwalks of the esteemed Lakme Fashion Week.
Neerja Punia emphasizes his obstructionist behaviour even more when he tells us, “The owner assumed I was engaged in sex work, a misconception that is not only problematic but deeply hurtful.” He continued to say, “Jaao jaao yahan se,” despite her best attempts to reason with him and give an explanation.
“He also started to kind of harass me by leaning me toward the door. It really is gloomy. I told him that you are treating me the same way that I am being treated and that I am a frequent visitor who is respected everywhere I go because of who I am and what I do. I am aware of no worker there who would have wanted to speak out against him because doing so would have resulted in their termination,” she said further.
His actions caused me to have a panic attack, which had a profound effect on me. My mental health has been seriously impacted by the demeaning treatment I have received based only on my gender identity,” she says.
The idea that a trans woman getting ready for a night out is inextricably linked to homelessness or prostitution is extremely depressing. Even with my education and background, I received appalling treatment. I am concerned about the people in our community who do not have these advantages because they do not have much. Punia states, “There is no evidence, so I cannot even take him to court. Besides, he can get away with it because of his many connections in the police and political arena.”
“There is a pressing requirement for a basic understanding of the transgender community,” she states, emphasizing the significance of public education and awareness. No matter how far the industry has come in accepting it, change still needs to happen on the ground.” Neerja said further.
