The challenges of being a transgender person began in her teenage years for Christy Raj when she was banished from home after confronting her family with her sexual identity. Rescued from an uncertain fate by a group of eunuchs who embraced her as part of their family, Christy was eventually exposed to, and dismayed by, harassment and other harmful behavior…
In Bangalore, Priyanka has gained courage and respect by working in Radio Active.
Our Community Correspondent from Karnataka, Christy Raj, is a female-to-male transgender, who is determined to be the voice of those enduring sexual discrimination in India. He and Priyanka first worked together in a program of community mobilisation for HIV awareness. Christy Raj decided to make a video on Priyanka because of her journey, her strength, and her success, all of which make her a role model for the entire transgender community.
Indeed, Priyanka has now been working as a Radio Jockey for a community radio station called Radio Active for about one year. She was selected by the radio director, who wished to give a space for transgenders to voice their experiences. "She is doing a great job! Her show actually focuses on transgender persons, and tackles all the issues that relate to them. It is very important for our community, which is still rarely outspoken," Christy told us.
Becoming a Radio Jockey has brought a great change in Priyanka’s life. Like many transgenders, she had to face numerous instances of violence and discrimination. But now her work has enabled her to gain respect. She now feels safer and empowered.
Christy Raj wishes that others facing similar discrimination will watch his video and be inspired to be themselves and follow their career paths.
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